Theatre Practice Flashcards
What 4 main factors may contribute to surgical site infections (SSIs)?
Animal-related
Personnel-related
Theatre space and environment-related
Equipment, instruments and consumables-related
What considerations should you have regarding the theatre space?
Layout Materials e.g. floor, walls Lighting Heating/air con Door/windows Storage Health and safety
How do we monitor efficacy in heat sterilisation?
Chemical indicator strips e.g. TST strips
Bowie-dick indicator tape - unreliable as only checks temp.
Browne’s tubes
Spore tests - accurate but delayed results
What considerations should we have regarding packaging for sterilisation?
Size of autoclave Cost Time Effectiveness Labelling Sharp items Storage afterwards
What properties make the ideal suture material?
Tensile strength Knot security Tissue reaction / drag Capillarity Memory Chatter Stiffness and elongation Sterilisation characteristics
What makes a good surgical scrub solution?
Wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity Ability to decrease microbe count quickly - quick application Long residual effect Economical Safe for veterinary use and non-toxic
What are the classifications of suture materials?
Absorbable -> Natural -> Multifilament
Absorbable -> Synthetic -> Monofilament / Multifilament
Non-absorbable -> Natural -> Multifilament
Non-absorbable -> Monofilament / Multifilament
What is a swaged needle and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
Swaged needle = suture material already attached to the needle
A = new needle each time so no blunting, same width throughout reduces tissue damage D = more expensive
What are the needle shapes?
1/2 curve 1/4 circle 3/8 circle 1/2 circle 5/8 circle Straight Compound curve
What are the needle cross-sectional shapes?
Conventional cutting Taper point Reverse cut Taper cut Special K needle
Define gossypiboma.
Gossypiboma = the body’s inflammatory reaction to a retained gauze swab.
