Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

Before drawing a point-of-care sample in the operating room, what should the technician prioritize?

1. Using an antiseptic solution only

2. Wearing the appropriate PPE and following aseptic technique

3. Confirming patient allergy history

4. Calibrating the equipment used

The correct answer is: Wearing the appropriate PPE and following aseptic technique

Prioritizing the wear of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and following aseptic technique is crucial before drawing a point-of-care sample in the operating room. The operating room environment is highly sterile, and any procedure necessitates the minimization of infection risk not only to the patient but also to the healthcare personnel involved. Wearing the correct PPE helps protect the technician from exposure to potentially infectious materials, while aseptic technique prevents contamination of both the sample and the patient’s surgical site. This combination is vital in maintaining both the integrity of the sample being collected and the overall safety of the surgical procedure. While using an antiseptic solution is important, relying solely on antiseptics without proper PPE and aseptic technique may still pose a risk of contamination. Understanding patient allergies is also significant, but it typically pertains more to medication administration rather than the procedure of sample collection itself. Lastly, calibrating equipment is essential for accurate readings, but ensuring a sterile environment is the first priority to prevent complications that could arise during the sample collection.