Surgical Tech Practice Exam

The organization of the operating room to prevent contamination is primarily guided by which principle?

1. Patient safety

2. Infection control

3. Efficient workflow

4. Technical precision

The correct answer is: Infection control

The principle that primarily guides the organization of the operating room to prevent contamination is infection control. This involves implementing measures and practices designed to minimize the risk of infections during surgical procedures. Proper organization and sterile techniques are critical in maintaining a clean environment, including the use of sterile instruments, proper draping, and the management of personnel and materials in and around the sterile field. By adhering to infection control protocols, surgical teams can effectively reduce the likelihood of surgical site infections, which can lead to complications and extended recovery times for patients. This principle takes precedence over others like patient safety, efficient workflow, and technical precision, as all of these aspects are interconnected; however, infection control is the foundational element that must be prioritized to ensure a safe surgical environment.