Imaging in Theatre Flashcards
What are the key principles of Radiation Protection?
✅ Distance – Stand further away using remote controls
✅ Shielding – Use protective barriers like lead gowns and screens
✅ Time – Reduce time exposed to radiation (e.g. limit screening time)
What are examples of shielding?
✅ Lead gowns
✅ Thyroid shields
✅ Lead-lined walls
✅ Lead screens
✅ Check all staff are wearing lead protection
What techniques can be used to reduce dose?
✅ Use low dose mode
✅ Apply collimation to narrow the beam
✅ Reduce OID (Object to Image Distance)
✅ Limit screening time
✅ Minimise the number of people in theatre
What are best practices in theatre?
✅ Only screen when instructed or when the surgeon is watching
✅ Use initiative to avoid unnecessary screening
What are the first steps in patient radiation safety?
✅ Confirm patient ID
✅ Perform a time-out
✅ Complete a pregnancy check (if applicable)
What techniques can reduce radiation dose to the patient?
✅ Use low dose or paediatric mode
✅ Apply collimation to narrow the beam
✅ Reduce OID (Object to Image Distance)
✅ Limit screening time
How should the fluoroscopy machine be positioned for dose reduction?
✅ Flip the image intensifier (II) to the bottom – especially for wrist procedures, to reduce dose to radiosensitive organs and reduce OID
What is a sterile trolley used for?
✅ To hold sterile equipment needed during a procedure
✅ Must remain free from contamination at all times
What should you avoid around sterile fields?
❌ Reaching over sterile fields
❌ Walking between two sterile fields
❌ Positioning equipment (e.g., II) over sterile field without sterile cover
How should you handle contaminated items?
✅ Only handle contaminated items while wearing gloves
✅ Never place them near sterile equipment
What are sterile precautions with equipment?
✅ Ensure overhead lights do not contaminate the sterile field
✅ Use C-arm drape when bringing imaging equipment into a sterile zone
What is the definition of ‘Sterile’?
✅ Free from bacteria or other living microorganisms
✅ Totally clean and uncontaminated
Key Infection Control Rules for MRTs
✅ Don’t touch the blue sterile drapes
✅ Don’t touch overhead lights with the II
✅ Use and replace torn/dirty sterile II covers
✅ Swing II only when sterile cover is ready
✅ Clean machinery and lead gowns
✅ Remove covers inside-out to prevent contamination
MRT Hygiene & Positioning in OT
✅ Practice hand hygiene
✅ Be bare below the elbows
✅ No food or drink in OT
✅ MRTs should be positioned opposite the sterile area
MRT Theatre Attire
✅ Teal scrubs
✅ Scrub hat
✅ Shoe covers
✅ Level 3 mask (especially in orthopaedic theatre)
Roles of Other Theatre Staff
✅ Designated scrubbed staff for sterile areas
✅ Designated runners for non-sterile tasks
✅ Use of sterile drapes, attire, and sterile trolleys
✅ Must follow hand hygiene protocols
Common Hazards in the Theatre
🚧 Trips/slips/falls – cords, suction, fluids
☢️ Radiation – unshielded staff, pregnant staff
🚫 Breaking sterile barrier
⚙️ Equipment faults – machines, anaesthetic gear
👥 People – collisions with surgeon, nurse, patient, or bed
How can you reduce trip hazards in theatre?
✅ Ensure cords are not tangled or in the way
✅ Clean up fluids immediately to prevent slips
What precautions help reduce contamination hazards?
✅ Know which areas are sterile
✅ Ask if unsure
✅ Avoid breaking the sterile barrier
✅ Stay away from the head of the bed unless permitted
How can you reduce movement-related hazards?
✅ Watch for people’s movements
✅ Be mindful of who is entering/exiting theatre
✅ Avoid blocking pathways or key staff access
How does QA and setup reduce hazards?
✅ Follow quality assurance (QA) procedures
✅ Ensure correct equipment setup before starting
✅ Double-check machine positioning and covers
What is a Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS)?
A Dynamic Hip Screw is an orthopaedic implant used to treat stable fractures of the femoral neck or intertrochanteric region of the hip.
What are the components of a Dynamic Hip Screw?
It consists of a large lag screw inserted into the femoral head and a side plate fixed along the femur with screws.
What is the function of a Dynamic Hip Screw?
It allows controlled compression and sliding movement at the fracture site to promote healing.
