Week 19 Medical Assistant: Sterilization & disinfection in the medical office, Minor Office Surgery

What are the characteristics of a minor surgical procedure?

Minor surgical procedures are typically less invasive, involve minimal risk, and can often be performed in an outpatient setting.

What is surgical asepsis?

Surgical asepsis is a set of practices aimed at eliminating all microorganisms from an area to prevent infection during surgical procedures.

What are the medical assistant's responsibilities during a minor surgical procedure?

The medical assistant is responsible for preparing the surgical area, assisting the physician, maintaining aseptic technique, and providing post-operative care.

What guidelines should be followed to maintain surgical asepsis?

Guidelines include proper handwashing, using sterile instruments, maintaining a sterile field, and ensuring all materials used are sterile.

What are some common surgical instruments used in a medical office?

Common instruments include scalpels, scissors, forceps, and needle holders, each used for specific tasks in surgical procedures.

What is the difference between a closed wound and an open wound?

A closed wound involves no break in the skin (e.g., contusions), while an open wound has a break in the skin (e.g., cuts or abrasions).

What are the three phases of the healing process?

The three phases are the inflammatory phase, the proliferative phase, and the maturation phase.

What are the different types of wound exudates?

Types of wound exudates include serous (clear fluid), sanguineous (blood), and purulent (pus).

What are the functions of a dressing?

Dressing functions include protecting the wound, absorbing exudate, maintaining a moist environment, and preventing infection.

What is surgery?

A branch of medicine that deals with operative and manual procedures for correction of deformities, repair of injuries, and diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

What is minor office surgery (MOS)?

A surgical procedure that is restricted to the management of minor conditions and does not require general anesthesia.

What are the characteristics of minor surgical procedures?

Performed in an ambulatory health care facility, completed in less than one hour, and may require local or topical anesthesia or no anesthesia.

List some examples of minor surgeries performed in a medical office.

Insertion of sutures, sebaceous cyst removal, incision and drainage of infections, mole removal, needle biopsy, cervical biopsy, ingrown toenail removal.

When is surgical asepsis employed?

When caring for broken skin, penetrating the skin surface, administering injections, or entering normally sterile body cavities.

How is sterility of instruments and supplies achieved?

Through the use of disposable sterile items and sterilizing reusable articles.

What should be done if there is doubt about the sterility of an article?

Do not use it; replace it with a sterile article.

What is the role of a medical assistant during minor surgical procedures?

Explain patient preparation, obtain consent, prepare the treatment room and patient, assist the provider, and administer postoperative care.

What is the purpose of skin preparation before surgery?

To reduce the number of microorganisms by shaving, cleansing, and applying antiseptic.

What is the significance of a 1-inch border around a sterile field?

It is considered contaminated and should not be touched.

What are the characteristics of closed wounds?

Injury to underlying tissues without a break in skin surface; often results in contusions.

What is an incision?

A clean, smooth cut caused by a sharp instrument, often accompanied by profuse bleeding.

What is a laceration?

Tissues torn apart, leaving ragged and irregular edges, often resulting in profuse bleeding.

What is a puncture wound?

A wound made by a sharp pointed object piercing the skin, usually minor bleeding.

What are the four local signs of inflammation?

Redness, swelling, pain, and warmth.

What occurs during the inflammatory phase of wound healing?

Begins immediately after injury, lasts 3-4 days, and results in blood clot formation.

What is granulation tissue?

Translucent red tissue formed during the granulation phase, providing blood supply to damaged tissue.

What is the maturation phase of wound healing?

Can last up to 2 years, where collagen continues to be synthesized and scar tissue forms.

What is exudate?

Material that has escaped from blood vessels during the inflammatory process, which can be inspected for drainage.

What are the types of exudates?

Serous (clear and watery), sanguineous (red and consists of RBCs), purulent (contains pus), and mixed exudates.

What is the function of a sterile dressing?

To protect the wound from contamination and trauma, absorb drainage, and restrict motion.

What is the importance of sanitizing hands before and after surgical procedures?

To render hands medically aseptic and prevent infection.

What should be done with sharp instruments during care?

Keep them separate from other instruments to prevent damage or dulling.

What is the purpose of a needle holder?

To firmly grasp a curved needle for insertion through skin flaps of an incision.

What is the role of forceps in minor surgery?

Instruments for grasping, squeezing, or holding tissue or items like sterile gauze.

What are dressing forceps used for?

To apply and remove dressings and hold sterile gauze or sutures during minor office surgery.

What is the purpose of mosquito hemostatic forceps?

To hold delicate tissue and clamp off smaller blood vessels.

What is a sponge forceps used for?

To hold sponges for absorbing fluids, applying medications, or cleansing an area.

What is a retractor used for?

To hold tissue aside and improve exposure of the operative area.

What is the importance of following directions on sterile package openings?

To prevent contamination of sterile contents.

What is the significance of using nonadherent pads?

To prevent dressing from sticking to the wound, especially useful for burns.

What is the role of a medical assistant in cleaning the treatment room after surgery?

To ensure a sterile environment is maintained for future procedures.

What is the purpose of a dry sterile dressing (DSD)?

To protect an open wound from contamination and trauma.

What should be done to prepare the skin before a minor surgical procedure?

The skin should be shaved, cleansed, and antiseptic applied to reduce the number of microorganisms.

What are the guidelines to maintain surgical asepsis?

Prevent sterile packages from becoming wet, always face the sterile field, do not talk or sneeze over it, and do not reach over the sterile field.

What are the characteristics of a closed wound?

An injury to underlying tissues without a break in the skin surface, such as a contusion.

What is an open wound?

A break in the skin surface or mucous membrane that exposes underlying tissue.

What is an abrasion?

An injury where the outer layers of skin are scraped or rubbed off.

What are the phases of wound healing?

Inflammatory phase, granulation phase, and maturation phase.

What types of exudates can be found in wound drainage?

Serous, sanguineous, purulent, and mixed exudates.

What is the difference between absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures?

Absorbable sutures dissolve in the body over time, while nonabsorbable sutures must be removed after healing.

What is the purpose of using sterile gloves during minor surgery?

To prevent contamination and maintain a sterile environment.

What is the role of a needle holder?

To firmly grasp a curved needle for suturing.

What are hemostatic forceps used for?

To clamp off blood vessels and establish hemostasis until vessels can be closed with sutures.

What is the purpose of using bandage scissors?

To cut through dressings or bandages without puncturing the patient's skin.

What should be done if a sterile field is contaminated?

Acknowledge the contamination and take steps to regain sterility.

What is the importance of sanitizing hands before and after a surgical procedure?

To reduce the risk of infection and maintain aseptic conditions.

What is the significance of the 1-inch border around a sterile field?

It is considered contaminated and should not be touched.

What are the characteristics of operating scissors?

They have straight delicate blades with sharp cutting edges used to cut through tissue.

What is the purpose of sponge forceps?

To hold sponges used for absorbing fluids and applying medications.

What is the purpose of a retractor in surgery?

To hold tissue aside and improve exposure of the operative area.

What should be done to care for surgical instruments?

Handle them carefully, keep sharp instruments separate, and sanitize and sterilize them properly.

What is the role of a medical assistant in preparing a minor surgery tray?

To prepare the tray using sterile technique, ensuring instruments and supplies are ready for the procedure.

How should instruments with ratchets be stored?

In an open position to prolong proper functioning.

What is the purpose of a nonadherent pad?

To prevent the dressing from sticking to the wound.

What is the medical assistant's role during minor surgical procedures?

Explain patient preparation, obtain consent, prepare the treatment room and patient, assist during the procedure, and provide postoperative care.

What is the significance of maintaining a sterile field?

To prevent contamination and ensure the safety of the surgical procedure.

What are the characteristics of scissors used in surgery?

Cutting instruments with ring handles and straight or curved blades, used for various cutting tasks.

What are operating scissors used for?

To cut through tissue with straight delicate blades.

What is the function of suture scissors?

Used to remove sutures, featuring a hook on the tip to get under the suture.

What is exudate in the context of wound healing?

Material (fluid and cells) that has escaped from blood vessels during the inflammatory process.

What is the inflammatory phase of wound healing?

The phase that begins as soon as the body is injured, lasting three to four days, where a fibrin network forms and inflammation occurs.

What occurs during the maturation phase of wound healing?

Collagen continues to be synthesized, and granulation tissue hardens into scar tissue, which does not contain nerves or blood supply.

What is a closed wound?

An injury to underlying tissues without a break in the skin surface, such as a contusion.

What is the difference between an incision and a laceration?

An incision is a clean smooth cut caused by a sharp instrument, while a laceration has ragged and irregular edges.

What is the purpose of sanitizing hands before and after a surgical procedure?

To render hands medically aseptic and prevent infection.

What should be done if a sterile field becomes contaminated?

Acknowledge the contamination and take steps to regain sterility.

What is the role of collagen in wound healing?

To provide strength to the wound and decrease the chance of reopening.

What is the purpose of using nonadherent pads in wound care?

To prevent the dressing from sticking to the wound.

What are the primary uses of sutures?

To close surgical incisions and repair accidental wounds.

What is the purpose of sutures?

To approximate wound edges, hold them in place for healing, protect from contamination, and minimize scar formation.

What are absorbable sutures made from?

Surgical gut or synthetic materials that are gradually digested and absorbed by the body.

What is the absorption time for surgical gut sutures?

Seven to 21 days after insertion, depending on the type.

What are nonabsorbable sutures?

Sutures that are not absorbed by the body and remain in the skin permanently or are removed.

What is the significance of suture size?

Suture size is measured by gauge, with smaller numbers indicating larger diameter sutures.

What types of tissues require nonabsorbable sutures with smaller gauges?

Delicate tissues such as those on the face and neck.

What is a cutting needle used for?

To suture firm tissue, such as skin.

What is the difference between an eyed needle and a swaged needle?

An eyed needle has an eye for the suture, while a swaged needle has the suture attached and reduces tissue trauma.

What is the role of a medical assistant during suture insertion?

To set up the suture tray and assist the provider.

What should be done if excessive redness or swelling occurs post-suture insertion?

Contact the medical office for advice.

How long do sutures typically remain in place on the face and neck?

Three to five days.

What are surgical skin staples used for?

To quickly close long skin incisions with minimal tissue trauma.

What is a topical tissue adhesive?

Also known as surgical glue, it forms a strong bond to close small superficial lacerations.

What is the advantage of using skin closure tape?

It does not require sutures or local anesthetic, is easy to apply and remove, and has a lower incidence of infection.

What is a disadvantage of skin closure tape?

It is less precise in bringing wound edges together and cannot be used in moist or hairy areas.

What are the postoperative instructions for suture care?

Keep the dressing clean and dry, and notify the office if sutures become loose or break.

What is the purpose of a bandage?

To protect a wound, hold dressings in place, and support healing.

What should be considered when applying a bandage?

Guidelines for proper application, including ensuring it is not too tight or loose.

What are common types of bandages used in a medical office?

Gauze bandages, adhesive bandages, and elastic bandages.

What is the purpose of incision and drainage in minor surgical operations?

To relieve pressure and remove pus from localized infections.

What is a needle biopsy used for?

To obtain tissue samples for diagnostic purposes.