Chapter 5: Physical Environment and Safety Standards; Short Answer: Safety Precautions and Procedures

Which OR design plan features a clean central core surrounded by a series of ORs? Why is this plan favored? How does it facilitate traffic control and the prevention of SSI?

Race track plan, because it helps to best separate the clean and contaminated patterns. Traffic control is facilitated by supplies retrieved by a rear entrance, the soild entrance is outside the central core, the OR entered front from outer corridor.

Describe positive pressure air supply. What is its purpose in the OR?

A unidirectional positive pressure; laminar air flow. The air pressure is higher in the OR than the surrounding corridors, when the OR door is open air rushes outward rather than inward to help keep airborne bacteria from entering the OR.

Describe the precautions to be taken when fluoroscopy or an x-ray is taken during surgery.

All sterile members of the surgical team must wear a lead apron and thyroid shield, and lead gloves if necessary as well as standing as far away as possible.

Describe the two types of latex allergies. What can be done for the individual who has a latex allergy? Which individuals are more prone to latex allergy? Check your lab to see how many of the supplies that you use are latex-free.

Type IV is less serious, usually with skin irritation and discomfort. Type I is more serious, IgE mediated and can result in respiratory arrest. The only thing that can be done is to stay away from latex. Children with Spina Bifida and health care providers are more prone to developing a latex allergy.

List three safety precautions that must be followed when a laser is used during a case.

1) Wear special goggles to protect eyes.
2) Use non-reflective laser instruments.
3) Wear high-filtration masks.

Glutaraldehyde is a liquid disinfectant and sterilizing agent. What is the commercial name for glutaraldehyde? What precautions must be taken when working with it?

Cidex. Be in a well-ventilated area, commercial ventilation systems are installed for the removal of the fumes.

List the three main concerns the surgical technologist should have if a fire occurs in the OR. Describe RACE and PASS.

1) Ignition source
2) Oxygen
3) Fuel
RACE: Remove/Rescue from fire, Alert/ Alarm, Contain the fire, Extinguish/ Evacuate.
PASS: Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle toward base of the fire, Squeeze the handle standing 8ft away, Sweep the nozzle until the fire is extinguished.

What does EtO stand for, and how is it used? What are the hazards associated with the EtO processes?

EtO: Ethylene Oxide
Used for sterilization.
Hazards: can cause nausea, vomiting, and vertigo. It is highly carcinogenic and mutagenic; when it is combined with water is becomes toxic.

What is formalin used for in the OR? Which body system is at risk if handling precautions are not properly followed? What would you do if there was a formalin spill?

For preservation of tissue specimens. The vapors are an irritant to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. If there is a spill, it should only be handled in a well-ventilated area and gloves and masks are to be worn.

List three common situations that put staff at risk for blood-borne exposure. Describe the safety strategies that can be implemented to prevent a sharps injury or blood-borne exposure in the OR.

1) Suturing
2) Tissue retraction
3) Leaving a needle on the field

Creating a sharps/neutral zone.