Intraoperative Nursing Management Flashcards

Practice flashcards covering the intraoperative phase of nursing, including roles, environments, surgical asepsis, and patient risks.

What is the definition of anesthesia according to the glossary?

A state of narcosis, analgesia, relaxation, and loss of reflexes.

What is the primary responsibility of the circulating nurse in the operating room?

A registered nurse who coordinates and documents patient care in the operating room.

What are the characteristics of malignant hyperthermia as described in the notes?

A rare life-threatening condition triggered by exposure to most anesthetic agents inducing an extreme and uncontrolled increase in skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism, often inherited as an autosomal dominant disorder.

What defines the 'restricted zone' within the operating room environment?

Area where scrub attire and surgical masks are required, including the operating room and sterile core areas.

Which team members perform surgery after scrubbing, according to the surgical team description?

The surgeon, nurses, and assistants.

What specific tasks are included in the care provided by the circulating nurse?

Helping with patient positioning, preparing the patient’s skin for surgery, managing surgical specimens, anticipating the needs of the surgical team, and documenting intraoperative events.

What are the common fears patients may experience that can increase recovery time and anesthetic needs?

Fears about loss of control, the unknown, pain, death, changes in body structure or function, and disruption of lifestyle.

List four potential adverse effects of surgery and anesthesia mentioned in Chart 19-1.

Allergic reactions, cardiac dysrhythmia, malignant hyperthermia, and hypothermia.

What cultural consideration regarding the 'head' is noted for certain patient populations?

In certain cultures, the head is a sacred area, and staff should allow patients to apply their own surgical cap.

What is the role of the Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)?

Practicing under the direct supervision of the surgeon, their responsibilities include handling tissue, providing exposure at the operative field, suturing, and maintaining hemostasis.

Which parameters does the anesthesiologist or anesthetist monitor during surgery?

Blood pressure, pulse, respirations, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood oxygen saturation level, tidal volume, blood gas levels, blood pH, alveolar gas concentrations, and body temperature.

What is the 'fire triangle' risk in the operating room?

A source of fuel, an oxygen source, and a mechanism to turn-on a fire.

What are the protocol requirements for wearing surgical masks in the restricted zone?

Masks must be worn at all times, cover the nose and mouth completely, fit tightly to prevent venting from the sides, and be changed between patients.

What is the requirement for hair removal if it must be done before a surgical procedure?

It should be done immediately before the procedure with clippers, not shaved, to minimize the risk of infection.

According to environmental controls, what are the standard air exchange and pressure requirements for an OR?

Standard ventilation provides $15$ air exchanges per hour, with at least three being fresh air, and positive pressure relative to surrounding areas is maintained.

What are the environmental standards for temperature and humidity in the operating room?

A room temperature of $20^\text{∘}C$ to $24^\text{∘}C$ and humidity between $30\text{ }\%$ and $60\text{ }\%$.

Which part of the surgical team's gowns are considered sterile?

In front from the chest to the level of the sterile field.

What is the minimum distance non-scrubbed personnel must maintain from a sterile field?

At least $30\text{ }cm$ distance must be maintained.

What procedure is performed as the surgical incision is closed to ensure no foreign bodies remain in the patient?

The scrub person and the circulator count all needles, sponges, and instruments.

When should sterile fields be prepared?

As close as possible to the time of use.