Intra-op Paient Flashcards
Transient bacteria
Limited to exposed skin and easily removed by mechanical cleansing “hand washing”
Preparation of the surgical site:
Remove dirt, reduce resident microbes, prevent regrowth of bacteria, after special cleansing, hair removed from the site
Resident bacteria
Inhabit deep structure of dermis, sweat glands, hair follicles “surgical scrub”
Time between pre-op shave and sx has direct effect on:
Wound infection rates
Anti microbial agents:
“Soaps” emulsify and peptize skin bacteria and oils on skin surface to allow them to be rinsed away with running water
Blood loss and hemostasis:
Control of bleeding to prevent hemorrhage, allow visualization of sx field, and promote wound healing ( natural, artificial, or chemical)
Natural hemostasis:
Normal defense mechanism o fibrinogen, PT+factor V= thrombin, fibrinogen= fibrin, platelets (not as effective in large wounds)
Artificial hemostasis:
Control bloodflow/blood loss, instruments, manual pressure, cautery(heat), bone wax, ligating clips, tourniquets
Chemical hemostasis:
Thrombostat, electro cautery, and gel foam
Bone wax
Refined beeswax used to control marrow oozing (neuro and ortho)
Thrombostat
Enzyme extracted from beef blood accelerates clotting
Gelfoam
Gelatin sponge dipped in epinephrine or thrombostat placed on bleeding area, absorbed by the body
Sutures
Approximates tissue edges, absorbable and non-absorbable
Absorbable sutures
Natural/material digested or hydrolyzed by tissue in 7-10 days ex: collagen, vicril, ethilon
Non-absorbable sutures:
Must be removed before healing complete ex: metal, nylon, polyester
Staples
Uniform tension, faster to apply than sutures, must be removed <1 week.
Retention sutures:
Secondary sutures, large rubber encased wire sutures. Used in areas with increased pressure on incision, patients at high risk of dehiscence. (abd sx in obese)
Adhesive skin closure:
Steri-strips used on small wounds that need minimal tension. Fall off <10 days, not removed
Incision glue:
Liquid forms barrier over wound
When removing staples and sutures, remove every other one because:
Make sure the incision would not dehiscence then remove the rest
Surgical dressing - three layers
1: contact or primary drsg
2: absorbent layer
3: outer layer
Contact or primary dressing
Touches incision, skin, drainage, blood ex: 4x4 gauze and telfa
Absorbent layer
Reservoir for secretions. Wick-like action draws secretions away from wound ex: abd pad