CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is referred to as the "sterile corridor" in an operating room?

1. Area beside the patient drape

2. Area above the instrument table

3. Area between the patient drape and the instrument table

4. Area around the scrub nurse

The correct answer is: Area between the patient drape and the instrument table

The "sterile corridor" in an operating room refers specifically to the area between the patient drape and the instrument table. This corridor is critical for maintaining sterility during surgical procedures. It serves as the designated space where sterile instruments can be placed and accessed without the risk of contamination from non-sterile areas. This area is carefully monitored to ensure that no unsterile items or personnel cross into it, which helps prevent infections and maintains the safety of the patient. The sterile corridor is an essential component of surgical protocol, emphasizing the importance of controlled environments in medical settings. The other options do not accurately describe the sterile corridor's function or location. For instance, the area beside the patient drape may be considered sterile, but it is not the primary focus of the sterile corridor. Similarly, the area above the instrument table is not designated as the sterile corridor, as it may not always be directly between the drape and the table. Lastly, while the area around the scrub nurse is important for the overall workflow of the operating room, it does not specifically pertain to the concept of the sterile corridor.