VTNE Surgical Nursing Practice Questions 2026 - 20 Free Q&As with Explanations

Correct Answer: B) 121°C (250°F) for at least 15 minutes at 15 psi

Standard gravity displacement steam sterilization requires 121°C (250°F) for a minimum of 15 minutes at 15 psi. The other settings are too cool, too brief, or use incorrect pressures to reliably kill spores.

Correct Answer: C) The front from mid-chest to waist and the sleeves

Only the front of the gown from mid-chest to waist and the sleeves to about two inches above the elbow are considered sterile. The back, below the waist, and the neckline are not sterile and must not contact the field.

Correct Answer: A) Mayo-Hegar needle holder

The Mayo-Hegar needle holder grasps and drives suture needles. A Crile hemostat clamps vessels, Allis forceps grasp tissue, and a Backhaus towel clamp secures drapes.

Correct Answer: B) Metzenbaum scissors

Metzenbaum scissors are lightweight and used for delicate tissue dissection. Mayo scissors are heavier for dense tissue and suture, while suture removal and bandage scissors are not used for tissue dissection.

Correct Answer: B) Against the direction of hair growth

Clipping against the grain of hair growth produces a closer clip and a cleaner surgical field. Clipping with the grain leaves longer hair, and circular clipping is not the standard technique.

Correct Answer: B) Chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine has excellent residual activity that continues to suppress bacteria after application. Plain soap and saline lack meaningful antimicrobial residual, and alcohol alone evaporates without lasting residual effect.

Correct Answer: B) Gown first, then gloves

The sterile gown is donned first, then gloves are applied, often by closed-gloving technique with hands inside the cuffs. Gloving before gowning and masking after gloving break aseptic sequence.

Correct Answer: C) Polydioxanone (PDS)

Polydioxanone (PDS) is an absorbable monofilament suitable for subcutaneous closure. Nylon, polypropylene (prolene), and stainless steel are non-absorbable and remain in tissue.

Correct Answer: B) Class II clean-contaminated

Entry into the GI, respiratory, or urogenital tract under controlled conditions with minimal spillage is Class II clean-contaminated. Class I avoids these tracts, Class III involves major spillage or fresh trauma, and Class IV involves established infection.

Correct Answer: A) Ethylene oxide gas

Ethylene oxide gas sterilizes heat- and moisture-sensitive items at low temperature. Boiling and UV light do not reliably sterilize, and steam autoclaving would damage delicate heat-sensitive equipment.

Correct Answer: C) Biological indicator using bacterial spores

A biological indicator containing resistant bacterial spores is the only method that confirms spore-killing sterilization actually occurred. Autoclave tape and chemical strips show exposure to heat but not that spores were killed.

Correct Answer: B) Opening the far flap first away from the body

Opening the far flap first prevents reaching over the sterile contents. Opening the near flap first or reaching across the field contaminates it, and touching the inner sterile surface is not allowed.

Correct Answer: A) Backhaus towel clamp

Backhaus towel clamps secure drapes to the patient or to each other. Metzenbaum scissors cut tissue, Adson forceps grasp tissue, and an Olsen-Hegar needle holder drives needles.

Correct Answer: C) Nylon

Nylon is non-absorbable and commonly used for skin closure. Vicryl, Monocryl, and PDS are all absorbable materials that break down in tissue over time.

Correct Answer: B) Consider it contaminated and re-sterilize it

Moisture wicks bacteria through the wrap, so a damp pack is considered contaminated and must be re-sterilized. Using it as-is, drying the outside, or spraying disinfectant does not restore sterility.

Correct Answer: B) For a single unwrapped instrument needed urgently when no sterile replacement is available

Flash sterilization is reserved for an unwrapped item needed immediately when no other sterile option exists, because it does not allow safe storage. It is not for routine use, storage, or heat-sensitive equipment.

Correct Answer: B) No, anything below the table surface level is considered nonsterile

Only the top surface of a draped table is sterile, so anything that drops below that level is considered contaminated. It cannot be assumed sterile based on landing surface or speed of retrieval.

Correct Answer: B) From the incision center outward toward the periphery

Surgical site scrubbing moves from the center of the proposed incision outward to push contaminants away from the incision. Scrubbing inward or randomly drags bacteria toward the surgical site.

Correct Answer: A) Mosquito (Halsted) hemostat

Mosquito hemostats are small with fine jaws for clamping tiny vessels. Carmalt forceps are large crushing clamps, Allis forceps grasp tissue, and bandage scissors are not hemostats.

Correct Answer: C) Between the waist and the shoulders, in front of the body

Scrubbed hands are kept in front of the body between waist and shoulder level, within the sterile zone. Hands below the waist or out of sight are considered nonsterile, and raising them above the shoulders is unnecessary and unstable.