Enviromental Sanitation

Question 1

Guidelines to help prevent contamination in the OR:

1. Hand hygiene is the single most important factor in minimizing microorganism transfer. Hands should be washed with soap and water for at least___________.
2. A facility approved waterless, ________ product can be used for minimizing microorganism transfer.
3. All horizontal surfaces should be damp dusted ____________.

Answer 1

1. 15 seconds. Hand washing for 15 seconds has been shown to reduce soil, spores, and microorganism counts on the hands.
2. alcohol-based
3. before the first scheduled procedure of the day.

Question 2

1. Endogenous sources for pathogens that may cause a surgical site infection (SSI) include
   _______ .

2.Exogenous sources of pathogens are mainly ________ .

Answer 2

1. surgical personnel; the operating room environment (including the air); and all tools, instruments, and supplies brought to the sterile field during the procedure.
2. aerobes (live in the air).

Question 3

Damp Dusting - All horizontal surfaces in the OR, begin with ________ .

Answer 3

the higher surfaces and work down to the lower levels.

Question 4

Wet vacuuming is the most effective method for floor care in the surgical suite.
The water is left to sit for at least _________ and then vacuumed.

Answer 4

five (5) minutes

Question 5

Any germicide that is labeled as a hospital disinfectant has passed the potency test for activity against _________.

Answer 5

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella choleraesuis