Ace the Certified Medical-Surgical RN Exam 2026 – Power Up Your Nursing Game!

Maintaining aseptic technique is a fundamental responsibility of the nurse in preventing surgical site infections. Aseptic technique involves practices that prevent contamination and infection, including proper hand hygiene, the use of sterile instruments, and ensuring a sterile environment during surgical procedures. This technique is crucial in minimizing the risk of introducing pathogens that could lead to infections post-surgery.

By adhering to aseptic technique, the nurse plays a significant role in protecting the patient from potential infections that can arise from surgical interventions. It is an ongoing responsibility starting from the preparation of the surgical site until the completion of the procedure and during the initial postoperative care.

The other choices, while related to infection prevention in various contexts, do not directly reflect this critical responsibility. Administering antibiotics before surgery is important for prophylaxis but relies on appropriate timing and indications. Performing regular wound dressings is necessary in postoperative care but does not address the prevention of infection during the surgery itself. Ordering blood cultures is related to diagnosing infections rather than preventing them during the surgical phase, which is why maintaining an aseptic technique stands out as the primary preventative measure.