Pre-op prep, intra-op counts, and post-op handoff responsibilities of the surgical technologist.
35 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What are the three most common skin antiseptic agents used in pre-op prep?
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Chlorhexidine, iodine-based solutions, and alcohol or alcohol-based solutions- What is the key advantage of chlorhexidine for skin antisepsis?
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It has prolonged antimicrobial residual activity lasting several hours after application- Describe the proper pattern for applying prep solution to the surgical site.
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Circular motion starting from the incision site and moving outward toward the periphery- When should the initial instrument count be performed?
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Before the procedure begins, typically while the patient is being prepped- What is the purpose of the surgical time-out?
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To verify patient identity, correct procedure, correct operative site, and patient consent immediately before the incision- How many times are sponge counts performed during a typical surgery?
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Three times: initial (before procedure), before closing the wound, and final count- What is the proper position for abdominal or chest surgeries?
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Supine, lying flat on the back with arms at sides or on armboards- What is the proper position for spinal or back surgeries?
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Prone, lying flat face down on the operating table- What is the proper position for gynecological or perineal surgeries?
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Lithotomy, with the patient supine, legs elevated, and thighs flexed on the abdomen- What is the proper position for kidney or flank surgeries?
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Lateral, with the patient lying on their side- What is the primary purpose of surgical draping?
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To maintain the sterile field and isolate the operative site from non-sterile areas- Define what a sterile field is.
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An area prepared and maintained free of microorganisms to receive sterile supplies and instruments- If an unsterile item drops onto the sterile field, what is the immediate action?
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Remove it immediately and replace it with a sterile item from an unopened package- What is the correct technique for passing an instrument to the surgeon?
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Two-handed exchange, placing the instrument firmly in the surgeon's hand with the handle or tip first as appropriate for the instrument- How should sharps be managed during a surgical procedure?
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Use a designated sharps container, never pass sharps hand-to-hand, and count them as part of the final count
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