Operating Room Procedures and Safety

This set contains flashcards based on lecture notes covering key concepts related to surgical procedures, safety protocols, and the operation of the OR.

How can instrument separation be maintained during bowel surgery?

Using different colored instrument trays to visually differentiate between clean and contaminated instruments.

What is the role of the scrub nurse during surgery?

To handle the clean and contaminated instruments respectively.

What is one method for organizing instruments in a surgical setting?

Placing instruments for the clean portion on one side of the sterile field and potentially contaminated instruments on the opposite side.

What type of solution is used as a preservative for a donor kidney?

Collins solution.

Which age group is most prone to hypothermia during surgery?

Geriatric patients ages 65+.

What typically appears on a surgeon's preference card?

Surgical instruments and implants specific to the surgeon's specialty and preferences.

What is the usual order for wiping down surfaces in the OR after a case?

OR table, lights, surfaces, floors.

Which is considered patient safety equipment?

Axillary rolls are typically included, while items like ace wraps are not.

What is the first step in the sterile procedure for removing drapes?

Removing sharps, then rolling the drape.

Which of the following sutures is ideal for intestinal mucosa closure?

4-0 Silk.

What should be done if bleeding is observed after dressing a wound?

Notify the surgeon immediately.

How should medications be labeled in the operating room?

Using pre-printed labels indicating the medication name, strength, dosage, and patient identifier.

What must be done immediately if a break in sterile technique is suspected?

Inform the surgical team immediately and take corrective action.

What key information should be included in an incident report?

A detailed description including who, what, when, and where of the situation.

How should sutures be handled intraoperatively?

Anticipating the surgeon's needs and providing appropriate suture materials.

What happens during a surgical time-out?

Verification of surgical site, procedure, and patient identity.

What is the purpose of the Jackson-Pratt drain during surgery?

To provide continuous suction to remove excess fluid from the surgical site.

What does the mnemonic P.A.S.S. refer to in a fire emergency?

Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

Which needle driver is most appropriate for suturing inside the vaginal canal?

Heaney needle driver.

What must the scrub tech do if a sterile field is compromised?

Inform the surgical team and take corrective action.

Which instrument is used to assist with suture placement?

Needle holder.

What should be done in the event of excessive smoke during surgery from a cautery device?

Notify the surgical team that there is a fire.

How can surgical personnel reduce their risk of needle stick injuries?

By wearing double gloves.

Why is it important to ensure all medications are clearly labeled during surgery?

To verify the 5 Rights of medication administration.

Which is a non-fenestrated drape?

U-drape.

What is the primary responsibility of a surgical tech in preparing for surgery?

Anticipating the surgeon's needs and ensuring all instruments are ready.

What does the acronym R.A.C.E stand for in fire safety?

Rescue, Alert, Contain, Extinguish.

Why should surgical instruments not be exposed to moisture?

Moisture can compromise sterilization and lead to contamination.

What is the minimum number of individuals required to transfer an anesthetized patient?

Three.

Which layer of the surgical drape is often not considered sterile?

The back of the gown.

What is the correct term for a patient safety event resulting in severe harm?

Sentinel event.

What should you do if the surgical tech contaminates their hand during the draping process?

Change gloves immediately.

What is the ideal temperature range for an operating room?

Between 68 - 73 degrees Fahrenheit (20 - 22.8 degrees Celsius).

What are chemical indicators used for in sterilization?

To confirm exposure to the sterilization process.

Which of these is typically unnecessary for a post-operative debrief?

Packing removal plan.

What is the most important aspect of handling surgical specimens?

Accurately labeling them for transport.

What must be done with surgical waste after a procedure?

Dispose of it in designated biohazard containers.

What is the primary purpose of a nail cleaner during a surgical scrub?

To remove dirt from under the fingernails.

What is used as a mnemonic to remind one how to operate a fire extinguisher?

P.A.S.S.

What is a key reason for labeling every liquid on the surgical field?

Most solutions are clear and indistinguishable, which may lead to errors.

What is the usual protocol for organizing the instrument tray before surgery?

Sort instruments in the order of anticipated use.

What is the correct method for removing dirty surgical instruments?

Cover instruments and take them in a pan to decontamination.

What is the purpose of antimicrobials used during surgical scrubs?

To reduce microbial counts on the skin.

How can surgical teams prepare for likely patient complications?

By anticipating potential issues and preparing additional materials.

What is the recommended action if a sterilized instrument pack is wet?

Do not use it and notify the appropriate personnel.

What is the significance of a chemical indicator in a sterilization process?

It confirms that the sterilizing conditions were met.

What is the expected operating room temperature for pediatric patients?

Keeping it warmer to prevent hypothermia.

During an operative procedure, what does retraction assist with?

Providing better visualization of the surgical site.

What are the fundamental roles of the surgical tech during procedures?

Managing the sterile field, passing instruments, and assisting the surgeon.

How is the 'hold' instruction used in a surgeon's preference card interpreted?

The item is set aside until needed.

What condition does the surgical scrub aim to achieve?

A surgically clean hand state.

During an operating room turnover, what is NOT typically done?

Wiping down walls and ceilings.

How should items be properly arranged in the operating room for procedures?

In an organized manner based on anticipated use.

Which actions should be taken during a surgical time-out?

Verification of the correct patient, procedure, and surgical site.

What is one reason to keep the surgical field free of unnecessary clutter?

To maintain focus and organization during the procedure.

What must be checked for each item added to a sterile field?

The integrity of the packaging and the expiration date.

What needs to be recorded in relation to estimated blood loss?

The actual amount of surgical blood loss must be documented accurately.

What is considered the sterile portion of the electrosurgical unit?

The active electrode.

What is the typical routine for cleaning the OR floor post-surgery?

Damp-mopping with disinfectant solution.

What is the first step when handling soiled instruments post-surgery?

Soak in a disinfectant solution.

What is the purpose of surgical safety checks before making an incision?

To prevent errors and ensure everyone is aware of the procedure.

What does the term 'aseptic' refer to?

The absence of pathogenic microorganisms.

Why are proper labeling practices important during a surgical procedure?

To ensure accurate medication management and patient safety.

What to do if an anesthetized patient shows signs of unexpected bleeding?

Notify the surgical team immediately.

What is the criteria for labeling medications and solutions in the OR?

Label should contain name, strength, dosage, and any necessary patient identifiers.

How should biohazard waste be disposed of?

Use dedicated biohazard containers for safe disposal.

What is the proper action if an incision shows signs of abnormal drainage?

Inform the physician immediately.

What critical factor reduces infection rates during surgeries?

Maintaining strict aseptic technique.