Surgical Tech Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Surgical Tech Exam with comprehensive quizzes and detailed explanations. Enhance your knowledge and skills to confidently tackle the surgical technology certification.

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What is the recommended time for a surgical scrub for most common antiseptic cleansers?

1-2 minutes
2-5 minutes
5-7 minutes
10 minutes

The correct answer is: 2-5 minutes

The recommended time for a surgical scrub using most common antiseptic cleansers is typically between two to five minutes. This duration is sufficient to ensure effective microbial reduction on the skin, which is crucial for preventing postoperative infections. During the scrub, the focus is on thorough cleansing of all areas of the hands and forearms, as well as paying attention to the nails, cuticles, and web spaces between fingers where bacteria can reside. A scrub that lasts between two to five minutes strikes a balance between effectiveness and efficiency, allowing surgical personnel to adequately prepare for sterile procedures. Longer scrub times, such as five to seven minutes or ten minutes, while ensuring cleanliness, may not be necessary and could lead to skin irritation or damage without providing significantly greater benefits. Therefore, the usual guideline falls within the two to five minutes range, making it the most efficient and practical choice for surgical scrubbing.