Minor Surgery & Lab Procedures Unit Exam Study Guide

Medical Asepsis

Prevention of the growth or transmission of microorganisms and prevention of the spread of infection.

Surgical Asepsis

A technique designed to keep an area or object free from all microorganisms.

Sterile Field

A designated area free from all microorganisms, used during surgical procedures.

Preprocedural Instructions

Directions given to the patient prior to a procedure to ensure readiness and safety.

Postprocedural Instructions

Guidelines provided to a patient after a procedure to aid recovery and prevent complications.

Suturing

The process of closing a wound by stitching together its edges.

Forceps

An instrument used for grasping, holding, and/ or manipulating tissue.

Antiseptic Application

The process of applying an antiseptic solution to reduce the number of microorganisms on the skin.

Fenestrated Drape

A sterile drape with an opening that is placed over the operative site.

Aseptic Technique

A method designed to prevent contamination during medical procedures.

Doffing Sterile Gloves

The proper technique for removing sterile gloves to maintain sterility.

Specimen Collection

The process of obtaining a sample for testing.

Biohazard Waste

Materials that pose a risk of infection or contamination and must be disposed of according to strict guidelines.

Wound Classification

The categorization of wounds based on factors like cause and healing potential.

Adhesive Tapes

An alternative method for skin closure which uses tape to join wound edges.

Instrument Sterilization

The process of cleaning and disinfecting surgical instruments to eliminate all pathogens.

Quality Assurance (QA)

Maintains a desired level of quality related to a service or equipment in labs.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Garments designed to protect the wearer from exposure to hazardous materials.

Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)

Lab tests processed on-site for rapid results.

Chain of Custody

A process used to maintain the integrity of specimens during collection and testing.

Surgical Skin Staples

Metal fasteners used to close wounds, especially in less mobile areas.

Dressing Change

The procedure of replacing or changing a wound dressing to maintain hygiene and support healing.

Infection Control

Measures taken to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.

Sanitization

The process of reducing the number of microorganisms to a safe level as determined by public health standards.

Disinfection

The elimination of most microorganisms from inanimate objects and surfaces.

Personal Hygiene

Practices to maintain cleanliness and promote health, especially in healthcare.

Contaminated Waste

Any waste that has been in contact with potentially infectious materials.

Radiology Safety

Precautionary measures taken to minimize exposure to radiation during medical imaging.

Patient Identification

A procedure to verify the identity of a patient before administering care.

Informed Consent

A process by which a patient voluntarily confirms understanding of a procedure after being informed of its risks and benefits.

Healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs)

Infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for medical or surgical conditions.

Surgical Site Infections (SSIs)

Infections that occur after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place.

Contamination

The presence of harmful microorganisms on surfaces or materials.

Sterilization Methods

Techniques used to eliminate all forms of microbial life, including heat, chemical, and radiation.

Infection Prevention Protocols

Set procedures aimed at preventing infection transmission in healthcare environments.

Hand Hygiene

The practice of washing hands to remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses, essential for infection control.

Antimicrobial Stewardship

Efforts to optimize the use of antimicrobial medications to combat resistance and ensure effectiveness.

Isolation Precautions

Measures taken to prevent the spread of infections to others by isolating patients.

Patient Safety

Strategies and practices designed to reduce risks and enhance healthcare quality and patient outcomes.

Environmental Cleaning

The practice of thoroughly cleaning healthcare environments to reduce the risk of infections.

Active Surveillance

Monitoring and identifying infections during and after healthcare interventions.

Surveillance Systems

Programs designed to track infection rates and effectiveness of infection control measures.

Preoperative Assessment

Evaluation of a patient's medical history and condition before a surgical procedure to identify any risks.

Intraoperative Monitoring

Continuous observation of a patient's vital signs and condition throughout a surgical procedure.

Postoperative Care

Management of a patient's recovery after a surgical procedure to ensure healing and address any complications.

Wound Healing Phases

The stages of healing after a wound occurs: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferative, and maturation.

Surgical Instruments

Tools specifically designed for performing surgical tasks, including cutting, grasping, and suturing.

Patient Positioning

The placement of a patient during a surgical procedure to ensure optimal access and safety.

Anesthesia Techniques

Methods used to induce loss of sensation or consciousness during surgical procedures.

Complications

Unexpected problems that arise during or after a surgical procedure requiring additional intervention.

Patient Education

Providing information to patients regarding their health conditions and procedures to promote informed decision-making.

Infection Control Team

A group of specialists responsible for establishing and monitoring infection control policies in healthcare settings.

Personal Health Monitoring

Regular assessment and maintenance of individual health, often involving tracking medications and symptoms.

Surface Disinfection

The process of cleaning and applying disinfectants to surfaces to eliminate pathogens.

Antiseptic Techniques

Methods used to reduce the presence of microorganisms in specific areas or surfaces.

Vaccine Administration

The delivery of vaccines to individuals to protect against infectious diseases.

Clinical Guidelines

Evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating healthcare conditions.

Cross-Contamination

The transfer of harmful bacteria or microorganisms from one surface or food to another.

Emergency Infection Protocols

Immediate procedures enacted during outbreaks of infectious diseases in healthcare settings.

Healthcare Waste Management

Systems for the proper disposal of waste generated by healthcare facilities.

Patient Tracking Systems

Technologies used to monitor and manage patient progress and treatment within healthcare systems.

Ventilator Management

The process of operating and monitoring a ventilator to assist patients with breathing.

Patient Monitoring Equipment

Devices used to continuously observe a patient's vital signs and medical parameters.