Good Theatre Practice Flashcards
Define sepsis
presence of pathogens
Define asepsis
Free from infections
Define antispesis
prevention of sepsis
Define sterilisation
complete elimination of all microorganisms, including spores
define disinfection
removal of microorganisms (possibly not spores)
define disinfectant
an agent that destroys microorganisms, generally a chemical agent
What areas should be found in a surgical suite?
Kit prep area
Sterile store
Scrub area
Changing rooms
Describe common theatre cleaning routines
Morning damp dusting
Between cases - clean down area, ready for next procedure, use disinfectant
End of day - thorough cleaning of area using disinfectant
Once a week - deep clean (take swabs to ensure asepsis)
Describe the pre-operative preparation of the patient
Food and water restrictions prior to surgery (depends on breeds, age etc.)
Bathed a few days before to ensure they are clean
Clipping
Disinfecting surgery site
Describe the use of chlorhexidine for surgical site preparation
2% dilution
minimum 5 minutes
Describe the use of Povidone iodine for surgical site preparation
for patients with chlorhexidine sensitivities
7.5% dilution
minimum 3 minutes
Not effective if gross contaminants present (mud, blood etc)
Good for ocular preparation (0.2-2% dilution)
Describe surgical preparation of the ear
Flushed with saline then 0.2% chlorhexidine
Describe surgical preparation of the foot
wrapped in bag containing 0.2% chlorhexidine for 5 minutes
Describe surgical preparation of the open wounds
flushed with 0.9% saline
Don’t use chlorhexidine as it is toxic to cells so can cause slow wound healing
Describe surgical preparation of the mouth
Oral rinses containing very dilute chlorhexidine
(caution in cats as can cause oral ulceration of mucous membranes)
Why should over-wetting be avoided when preparing surgical sites
Can cause a cooling effect => hypothermia
What is strikethrough
Fluids e.g., blood, soak through drapes, causing bacteria to harbour and grow
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of disposable drapes
Better at repelling liquids (preventing strikethrough) and maintaining asepsis
Not environmentally friendly
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of re-usable drapes
Can be re-used
More environmentally friendly
Can start to fray or get stained
Not as aseptic as disposable
What is a fenestrated drape
Made of rectangles with a pre-cut hole to drape over surgical area
not useful for specific ops with a larger area
What is an adhesive barrier drape?
Sticky on one side to stick to patient to create a full barrier between patient and surgeon (good for limb surgeries where limb needs to be moved around)
Can be impregnated with iodine to improve asepsis
