Surgery - Northlink College FARLA (N5)

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Surgery module notes, including definitions of major disciplines, roles in the operating room, minor surgery procedures, pre- and post-operative procedures, and common exam-style questions.

What are the three major medical disciplines of medical science mentioned in the notes?

Surgery; Internal medicine; Obstetrics and Gynecology.

What is internal medicine also known as in Commonwealth nations?

General internal medicine.

What does obstetrics involve?

Care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

What does gynecology deal with?

Reproductive health and the functions and diseases specific to women and girls.

What is the relationship between obstetrics and gynecology?

Gynecology and obstetrics are related fields often combined as obstetrics and gynecology.

What is a surgical condition?

Any condition which leads to an operation.

Who diagnoses the surgical condition and performs the operation?

The surgeon or physician.

List the sequence of arrangements for surgery that the medical secretary must coordinate.

Arrange a bed in hospital; Organise theatre list; Availability of a theatre nurse; Arrange for anaesthetist; Arrange for assistant to the surgeon.

Who are the typical people required for a surgical procedure?

Assistant surgeon; Theatre sister; Surgeon; An anaesthetist.

What is the additional role needed for the operation beyond the surgeon, assistant, and theatre sister?

An anaesthetist.

What does the theatre sister do at the start of the procedure?

Scrubs hands and opens sterile packs; places sterile instruments on the table.

What is the anaesthetist's role in the surgery?

Administers the anaesthetic and places the patient on a ventilator.

What is the surgeon's role during the operation?

Performs the operation.

What is the assistant surgeon's role during the operation?

Keeps the wound open with retractors.

What is the theatre sister's role regarding instruments during surgery?

Counts and recounts the instruments (instruments must be accounted for).

When are clips and stitches normally removed post-operation?

Clips on day 5; stitches on day 8 post-operation.

Name three types of needles used in suturing.

Round/Tapered needle; Cutting needle; Reverse-cutting needle.

What are some examples of suturing materials or instruments used and sterilized after minor procedures?

Scissors; Forceps; Needle holder; Blades; Suture material.

Where is minor surgery performed according to the notes?

In the consulting room.

What are the three phases of minor surgery in the consulting room?

Preparations pre-operative; Assist during operation; Post-operative duties.

What are pre-operative preparations mentioned for minor surgery?

Prepare the patient (instructions, medical history, consent, allergy testing, explanation of anesthesia); provide general support and reassurance.

What are the post-operative duties in minor surgery?

Handling of soiled instruments (counting/cleaning); tidying the treatment room; post-operative care.

What must the medical secretary inform the patient regarding surgery?

Date, time, place; nil per mouth 12 hours prior; remove jewellery, watches, dentures, spectacles; ensure written consent if patient is a minor.

What specific instruction must be followed for minors regarding consent?

Written consent from the parents.

What are the bleeding control principles in minor surgery?

Control bleeding before wound cleaning; arterial bleeding: compress artery or use a tourniquet; venous bleeding: apply direct pressure.

Name six instruments or materials used for small procedures that must be sterilized.

Scissors; Sterile cotton wool; Forceps; Sterile swabs; Needle holder; Blades.

What does Nil per mouth (NPO) mean in the pre-operative instructions?

No food or drink for 12 hours prior to surgery.

What items must a patient remove before surgery?

Jewellery, watches, dentures, and spectacles.