Chapter 2 Study Guide

What is the purpose of standards in health care?

To provide guidelines that promote patient safety, quality care, and consistent surgical practice.

What organization develops standards?

AST (Association of Surgical Technologists)

What organization develops recommended practices for preoperative nursing?

AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses)

What organization accredits hospitals in the United States?

The Joint Commission (TJC)

Why are standards important in the operating room?

They reduce errors, improve patient outcomes, and ensure legal and ethical practice.

What is accreditation?

A process that verifies a health care facility meets establishes quality and safety standards

Why is accreditation important ?

It demonstrates quality care, improves patient safety, and is often required for Medicare and insurance reimbursement.

Name two organizations involved in accreditation

The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

What are the three phases of perioperative care?

1. Preoperative

2. Intraoperative

3. Postoperative

What occurs during the peroperative phase?

Patient assessment, education, consent, and preparation before surgery

What occurs during the intraoperative phase?

Care provided from the time the patient enters the OR until transfer to the PACU

What occurs during the postoperative phase?

Recovery, monitoring, pain management, and discharge planning.

Who is responsible for maintaining the sterile field?

The surgical technologist and sterile surgical team

What is the primary responsibility of the surgical technologist?

Prepare the sterile field, maintain aseptic technique, and anticipate the surgeon’s needs.

What is the circulating nurse responsible for?

Managing the nonsterile environment, patient advocacy, documentation, and obtaining supplies

Who administers anesthesia?

An anesthesiologist or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Who performs the surgical procedure?

The surgeon

Why is traffic in the OR restricted?

To decrease airborne contamination and reduce infection risk.

What is the unrestricted area?

Area where street clothes are permitted (lobby, offices)

What is the semi-restricted area?

Area requiring surgical attire and hair covering (hallways, sterile processing, supply rooms)

What is the restricted area?

Operating rooma nd sterile core where masks, surgical attire, and hair coverings are required

What is the purpose of the sterile processing department?

To clean, inspect, package, sterilize, and distribute surgical instruments.

What are the three areas of SPD?

Decontamination

Preparation and Packaging

Sterile Storage

What is ambulatory surgery?

Surgery where the patient is discharged the same day

Advantages of outpatient surgery?

• lower cost

• faster recovery

• lower infection risk

• increased patient satisfaction

Which department performs laboratory testing?

clinical laboratory

What department performs X-rays, CT scans, and MRI?

Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging

What department manages medications?

Pharmacy

What department prepares sterile instruments?

Sterile Processing Department (SPD)

What department monitors heart activity?

Cardiology

What department handles blood products?

Blood Bank

What is the role of hospital administration?

Managing finances, staffing, policies, and regulatory compliance.

Why are hospital policies important?

They standardize patient care and improve safety

What is the Universal Protocol?

A process used to prevent wrong patient, wrong procedure, and wrong site surgery.

What are the three parts of Universal Protocol?

1. Preoperative verification

2. Site Marking

3. Time-out

When is the time-out performed?

Immediately before the incision

During time-out, what is verified?

• correct patient

• correct procedure

• correct surgical site

• allergies

• necessary equipment and implants

Why are OR doors kept closed?

To reduce airborne contamination

Why is proper hand hygiene important?

It is the most effective way to prevent healthcare-associated infections

Why is environmental cleaning important?

It decreases microbial contamination and reduces surgical site infections

Why is teamwork essential in the surgical environment?

It improves communication, efficiency, and patient safety.