Intra-op Flashcards
What are the two main types of surgical procedures?
Open and Laparoscopic
Open procedures often require longer hospital stays and have a higher risk for blood loss and infection, while laparoscopic procedures are less invasive, usually requiring shorter hospital stays and have less risk for infection.
What is autologous blood transfusion?
When the client donates their own blood
This type of transfusion reduces the risk of transfusion reactions.
What is allogenic blood transfusion?
When the client receives blood from the community
This type involves receiving blood that is donated by others.
What is the purpose of the surgical suite (operating room)?
Minimize spread of pathogens and allow smooth flow of patients, staff, and equipment
This controlled environment is essential for safe surgical patient care.
What are some measures included in the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP)?
- Prophylactic antibiotic 30 to 60 minutes before surgical incision
- Patient warming
- Applying intermittent pneumatic compression devices (IPCs)
What does the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) require?
A preprocedural verification process
This includes verification of relevant documentation, diagnostic study results, needed blood products, implants, special equipment, and marking the procedure site by the surgeon.
Who is responsible for preparing and managing the sterile field?
Scrub nurse
The scrub nurse is gowned and gloved in sterile attire.
What is the role of the circulating nurse?
Facilitates progress of the procedure and maintains documentation
The circulating nurse remains in the unsterile field.
What are the responsibilities of the surgeon?
- Preoperative medical history
- Physical assessment
- Directing preoperative testing
- Postoperative management
- Obtaining informed consent
What is the purpose of scrubbing, gowning, and gloving in surgery?
To maintain a sterile environment
This process includes cleaning fingernails first, scrubbing hands distal to proximal, and ensuring hands are held higher than elbows.
Fill in the blank: The technique used to maintain a sterile field is called _______.
Aseptic Technique
What should be considered when positioning the patient?
- Accessibility of operative site
- Administering and monitoring anesthetic agents
- Maintaining patient airway
- Preventing pressure on nerves and skin
- Providing modesty in exposure
How should the surgical site be prepared?
Mechanically scrub or cleanse around surgical site with an antimicrobial agent
Clean from inner to outer area and allow to fully dry before draping.
What is general anesthesia?
Loss of consciousness with loss of sensation
It is used for lengthy procedures and those requiring muscle relaxation or control of ventilation.
What are adjunct medications used during general anesthesia?
- Opioids
- Benzodiazepines
- Neuromuscular blocking agents
What is moderate sedation?
Procedures done outside the OR without the presence of an Anesthesia Provider
It may be administered by an RN under direct supervision of a physician.
What is local anesthesia?
Loss of sensation without loss of consciousness
Examples include topical, ophthalmic, and injectable forms.
What is regional anesthesia?
Injection to a central nerve or group of nerves
This is used for preoperative analgesia, during surgery, and after surgery, such as spinal or epidural anesthesia.
What are some intraoperative gerontologic considerations?
- Anesthetic drugs need careful titration
- Postoperative delirium is common
- Risk for injury from tape and electrodes
What are symptoms of anaphylactic reactions in the OR?
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia
- Bronchospasm
- Pulmonary edema
What is malignant hyperthermia (MH)?
A rare disorder triggered by certain anesthetic agents
It can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrest.
What are the signs and symptoms of malignant hyperthermia?
- Tachycardia
- Tachypnea
- Rise in body temperature
- Hypercarbia
- Muscle spasms/rigidity
- Ventricular dysrhythmias
What should be verified during patient admission to the holding area?
The patient’s identity with a formal identification process
This is essential before proceeding with surgery.
Which intervention would NOT be included in an intraoperative care plan?
Administering general anesthesia
This is typically the responsibility of the anesthesia care provider.
