Rigid sterilization containers provide a barrier between a nonsterile surface and the sterile contents of the container.

A wound healing by first intention is left open and allowed to heal from the inner layer to the outside surface.

If a surgical technologist is unsure if a sterile wrapped item has been contaminated, he/she can still open it up onto the sterile field because he/she didn’t actually witness the contamination.

The knot is the strongest part of the suture.

A polypropylene suture is a multifilament suture with high inflammatory properties.

When dehiscence occurs, the underlying body contents may spill out of the wound. This is called ____, and immediate surgical intervention is required.

The presence of infection causes increased collagenolysis, the breakdown of collagen tissue near the incision site.

A surgical technologist should be aware that he or she not only can be infected by a patient, but can pass an infection on to a patient.

If a surgical technologist is unsure if a sterile wrapped item has been contaminated, he/she can still open it up onto the sterile field because he/she didn’t actually witness the contamination.

____ is the separation and opening of the wound’s edges. This generally occurs shortly after surgery and can be caused by surgical site infection or excessive pressure on the wound site.