Theatre Practice Flashcards
define sepsis
presence of pathogens of their toxic products in the blood/tissue of a the patient
define asepsis
freedom from infection
define antisepsis
prevention of sepsis by destruction/inhibition
define disinfection
removal of microorganisms but not necessarily spores
define disinfectant
agent that destroys microorganisms
define sterilisation
complete removal of microorganisms
define virulence
severity of disease
what is a surgical site infection?
infection in a wound post invasive (surgical) intervention
what are the 4 key factors which contribute to surgical site infection?
animal
personnel
theatre space and equipment
equipment, instruments and consumables
what are the 2 key sources of contamination linked to an animal?
endogenous
exogenous
where are endogenous sources of surgical contamination found on an animal?
within the body of the patient (naturally carried)
where are exogenous sources of infection carried on an animal?
externally (e.g. on the skin/coat)
what are 9 key considerations for the theatre space and environment?
layout surgery types performed and any procedures that are restricted materials on floor and walls lighting power points heating/air con presence of doors and windows minimal storage health and safety considerations
what are the key factors to consider about the layout of a theatre?
should be a room on its own
easy to clean (4 walls and a floor!)
only one entry and exit to reduce footfall
what is the ideal material for theatre walls/floors?
tiled or plastic as these are the easiest to clean
what is the key consideration relating to lighting in theatre?
operating light which can be moved by the surgeon/scrub team aseptically
what type of heating/ air con must never be used in theatres?
fans: risk blowing pathogens/ debris into surgical site
why should there be minimal door and windows in theatre?
minimise environmental contaminants
what is involved in the maintenance and cleaning of theatre?
SOP with daily, weekly and monthly tasks which will vary between practices
what should be considered about theatre cleaning materials?
having separate items for theatre only that are properly washed after each use
what may be involved in daily theatre cleaning SOP?
damp dusting prior to first op
clean of surfaces and equipment between patients
deep clean at end of day
what are the 2 key ways items can be sterilised?
heat sterilisation
cold sterilisation
what are the 2 methods of sterilisation in heat sterilisation?
autoclave
dry heat
what type of heat is used in an autoclave?
steam
what are the 3 types of autoclave?
horizontal
vertical
vacuum-assisted
what is the most commonly used autoclave?
vacuum-assisted
why are vacuum-assisted autoclaves the most common seen in practice?
due to their drying cycle
what items may require cold sterilisation?
things that would melt in an autoclave (e.g. ET tubes, muzzles)
what are the 3 methods of cold sterilisation?
Ethylene oxide
Commercial solution (chemical/alcohol based)
gamma radiation
what are the 3 types of dry heat autoclaves?
hot air oven
high-vacuum oven
convection oven
what does the vacuum-assisted autoclave rely on to sterilise instruments?
steam penetration
as a rule what effect will increased pressure in the autoclave have?
reduced time of cycle
what are the 3 temperatures in a vacuum assisted autoclave?
121
126
134
(all centigrade)
in a vacuum assisted autoclave what is the pressure and time of cycle for a heat setting of 121?
PSI - 15
15 mins
in a vacuum assisted autoclave what is the pressure and time of cycle for a heat setting of 126?
PSI - 20
10 mins
in a vacuum assisted autoclave what is the pressure and time of cycle for a heat setting of 134?
PSI - 30
3.5 mins
what are the main considerations when using autoclaves to ensure they sterilise properly?
correct loading and packaging of instruments
maintenance of the autoclave itself with servicing and QA checks
monitoring efficacy of sterilisation
what are the 4 methods of monitoring autoclave efficacy?
chemical indicator strips
Bowie-dick indicator tape
Browne’s tubes
Spore tests
what is the name of the most common chemical indicator strips used to monitor autoclave efficacy?
TST strips
what is the name of the most common chemical indicator strips used to monitor autoclave efficacy?
TST strips
what is the name of the most common chemical indicator strips used to monitor autoclave efficacy?
TST strips
what do TST strips show?
that the autoclave has reached correct temperature, time and pressure
where should TST strips be placed?
in the centre of the item to be autoclaved so that you can confirm that the middle is sterile
do you need different TST strips for different cycles?
yes
how do Browne’s tubes show the efficacy of sterilisation within an autoclave?
change colour (orange/brown to green) when exposed to correct temperature and pressure for the correct length of time
what are the key issues with Browne’s tubes?
glass - impractical
correct tube must be chosen for the correct cyle
how does Bowie-dick indicator tape show efficacy of autoclave sterilisation?
stripes change do dark brown once 121 degrees is reached
is Bowie-dick indicator tape a reliable indicator of sterility?
no - only informs us that where the tape was the temperature reached 121 degrees
how do spore tests monitor the efficacy of autoclave sterilisation?
paper strips are impregnated with spores which should then be killed in the autoclave. The paper is incubated after autoclaving to ensure sterility
what are the benefits of spore tests for monitoring efficacy of autoclave sterilisation?
accurate
good for quality assurance
what are the disadvantages of spore tests to show the efficacy of autoclave sterilisation?
there is a delay in results - not useful for instruments needed in surgery immediately
how does cold sterilisation using chemical solutions work?
items to be sterilised are immersed in the liquid for a set period of time
(follow individual instructions on bottle)
what must happen to instruments/equipment once it is sterilised using chemical solutions?
must be thoroughly washed as solution can cause chemical burns
what is gamma radiation often used to sterilise?
surgical gloves
what are the main considerations involved in packaging an instrument for sterilisation?
size of autoclave (will equipment fit!) cost time effectiveness labelling sharp items (safety) is TST strip needed storage afterwards
when may a TST strip not be required?
single instrument
what should the sterilisation pouch be labelled with?
date of sterilisation
item enclosed
initials
(all permanent marker)
which way should items with handles be packaged?
handle towards the top of the bag so that when it is turned out the surgeon/scrub nurse is able to take the handle
why is double bagging ideal for all items?
protection of the sterilised item even if a tiny hole is made in the outer bag
why should theatre personnel be kept to a minimum?
increased personnel is an increased risk of infection
what are the main risks with moving around theatre?
accidental contamination of surgical site
what are the key recommendations for minimising risk of contaminating the surgical site when moving around theatre?
avoid excessive movement
unscrubbed personnel should never touch or lean over sterile field
unscrubbed personnel should ensure their clothing doesn’t brush across trolleys/drapes
nobody should walk between scrubbed personnel and the surgical field
where should scrubbed personnel always be facing?
surgical field
what is the risk associated with scrubbed personnel turning their back to the sterile field?
may lead to contamination as your back is not sterile
how should scrubbed personnel pass each other?
back to back
what are the expected hygiene and appearance rules for theatre staff?
appropriate theatre clothing good personal hygiene fingernails short and clean with no nail varnish minimal makeup no jewellery shower prior to entering theatre
what is included in general theatre attire?
scrubs (short sleeved)
comfortable, easy to clean theatre shoes or shoe covers
cap or hairnet
mask
what is the problem with wearing cover shoes in theatre?
can wear through
still wearing outdoor ‘dirty’ shoes in theatre
define preoperative scrubbing up
systematic washing and scrubbing of the hands and arms
what are the 3 key purposes of a surgical hand scrub?
removal of debris and transient micro-organisms from the nails, hands and forearms
reduce the resident microbial count to a minimum
inhibit rapid rebound growth of microorganisms
why is it important that the antimicrobial used during a surgical scrub has good residual action?
inhibits regrowth of microorganisms for longer and so protects patient for longer
what are the 2 surgical scrub methods?
timed scrub or numbered stroke
where should you wash from and to during a surgical scrub?
clean to less clean (hand down to forearm)
why should the hands remain higher than the elbows at all times during a scrub?
allows water to flow from ‘cleaner’ hands to the less ‘clean’ area on the arms
in the numbered stroke method of preoperative surgical scrub what counts as one stroke?
one up and back motion is one stroke
describe the process of a numbered stroke scrub
remove all jewellery
wash hands and arms with antimicrobial soap
clean subungual areas with nail file
30 strokes over fingernails and nail tips
10 strokes each over all 4 ‘surfaces’ of the fingers of the same hand - paying attention to webbed areas between fingers
10 strokes each over the 4 ‘surfaces’ of the same hand
repeat above 3 stages on the other hand
10 strokes each over the 4 ‘surfaces’ of each arm from wrists to 2” above elbows
rinse hands and arms by passing through water in one direction only fingertips to elbow
once in theatre hands and arms should be dried on a sterile towel following aseptic technique
during a scrub how should you view you fingers, hands and arms to ensure all areas are cleaned?
as a block of wood with 4 sides!
how should the stroke motion when scrubbing the 4 surfaces of the arm be made easier?
divide arm in half (wrist to mid arm, mid arm to 2” above elbow) and scrub 10 times each ‘surface’ in each half before moving on to the other half
during the scrub procedure what should be avoided?
excessive splashing onto surgical attire
how does a timed scrub differ from a numbered stroke scrub?
same principles - usually a 5-10 minute scrub but varies depending on scrub solution used
what are the 4 performance categories for surgical scrub agents?
antimicrobial action
persistent activity
safety
acceptance
describe the ideal scrub agent in terms of antimicrobial action?
broad spectrum
rapid effect
describe the ideal scrub agent in terms of persistent activity
longer the residual/persistent activity lasts the lower the bacterial count will remain under the gloves
describe the ideal scrub agent from a safety perspective
non-irritating and non- sensitising
no appreciable occular or ototoxicity
safe for use
not damaging to skin or environment
describe the ideal scrub agent from the perspective of acceptance
well and properly used by vets/nurses
what are the 3 main forms that scrub agents come in?
liquid/foam soaps
impregnated scrub brushes/sponges
brush free scrub
what are the most common surgical scrub agents?
liquid or foam soaps
what are liquid/foam soaps used in conjunction with for a surgical scrub?
water and dry scrub brushes or sponges
what are the most common antimicrobial agents in liquid or foam soaps used for surgical scrubs?
chlorhexidine (CHG)
iodophor
describe how to put on a surgical gown correctly
lift gown firmly and bring it away from the table
holding the gown at the shoulders allow it to unfold gently (do not shake)
place hands inside the arm holes and guide each arm through the sleeves by raising and spreading the arms
do not allow hands to slip outside the gown cuff
the circulator will assist by pulling the gown up over the shoulders and tying it
what is the best gloving technique to maintain asepsis?
closed gloving
where are hands kept during closed gloving?
inside the gown to minimise chance of contaminating the gloves
what may open gloving technique be used for?
bandaging/ changing wound dressing
what are the main parts of preoperative patient prep?
withholding food and water
bathing and grooming
clipping
when must water be removed from the kennel prior to surgery?
once premed is given
why is prolonged (over 12 hours) withholding of food prior to surgery unnecessary?
may increase risk of reflux
how long will most animals have food withheld before surgery?
6-12 hours
is bathing or grooming of the patient prior to surgery necessary?
worth considering - particularly a bath 1/2 days before to ensure animal is relatively clean
what should be checked before clipping begins?
blades are sharp and functioning well
clippers work!
the area to be clipped and the size
what must happen after clipping to the clipper blades?
must be disinfected
what must you be wary of with clipper blades particularly with a long clip?
they will get very hot - skin irritation/burn risk
why is it important that the clip is neat?
owner will see this and it gives an impression of the entire surgery
how should clippers be held during clipping?
pencil grip fashion to provide maximum control and menuverability
how should clippers be held against the skin to ensure the closest shave?
flat against the skin
when must extra care not to traumatise the skin be taken?
around bony prominences and thinned areas of skin (e.g. groin)
what is the best method for hair removal?
2 stroke method (unless hair is very short)
describe the 2 stroke method for hair removal with clippers
bulk of the hair is removed by clipping in the direction of the lie of the hair
closer clip is then achieved by clipping against the direction of the hair
what is the purpose of the 2 stoke method of clipping?
close surgical clip with minimal skin trauma
what must happen to the patient after clipping?
patient and area must be vacuumed to remove any loose hairs
where should clipping and vacuuming take place?
in prep - not theatre!
what else may be required pre-operatively?
enema anaesthesia requirements (IV catheter) eye lubrication purse string sutures (e.g. anal surgery) bandages (e.g. limbs) throat pack placed (oral or nasal surgery) any pre-op medication
what is the aim of aseptic skin preparation?
reduce skin contamination of microorganisms
where should skin prep be carried out?
in prep for 1st scrub and then theatre for second
describe the ideal surgical scrub solution
wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity
ability to decrease microbe count quickly, so allowing quick application
long residual effect
effective in the presence of organic matter
economical
safe for veterinary use and non toxic
extra considerations for occular use
name 3 commonly used scrubs
chlorhexidine (hibi)
povidone-iodine
triclosan
what are the key roles of a scrub-nurse?
counting or completion of checklist at start and end of procedure
passing instruments
suturing (skin closure)
holding/assisting with something in the surgical field
what is suture material used for?
suturing tissue/skin
ligation (knot) around tissue
name 3 ideal properties of suture material
strong
non-irritant
knots well
define tensile strength
how much the suture material can be stretched before it snaps
define good knot security
knot will remain tight for as long as required
define tissue reaction to suture
how much the skin/vessel/organ responds negatively to the presence of suture - least possible
define capillarity
the ability of blood/fluid to move up the suture material - wicking effect
what level of capillarity is desirable in suture material used to close skin?
low so that blood doesn’t leak from internally and lead to infection risk increase
define suture memory
whether suture holds it’s shape when removed from packaging (not ideal)
define chatter
friction/grip of the suture against itself
define tissue drag
friction created as needle and suture pass through tissue
define stiffness and elongation of suture
rigidity of material and whether it stretches
define sterilisation characteristics relative to suture
should cope well wit sterilisation (high temp)
what are the 2 main types of suture?
absorbable
non-absorbable
what are the 2 types of absorbable suture?
natural and synthetic
what are the 2 types of absorbable synthetic suture?
monofilament and multifilament
what is the only type of absorbable, natural suture?
multifilament
give an example of an absorbable, synthetic, monofilament suture
caprosyn
which suture types have less chatter and tissue drag?
monofilament
give an example of an absorbable, synthetic, multifilament suture
vicryl
what must happen to non-absorbable sutures?
must be manually removed
what are the 2 types of non-absorbable suture?
natural
synthetic
what is the only type of non-absorbable natural suture?
multifilament
what are the 2 types of non-absorbable, synthetic suture?
monofilament
multifilament
what are the 2 different ways of measuring suture size?
USP
metric
what may be used to close wounds other than suture material?
staples
tissue glue
adhesive tapes (steri-strips)
what are the benefits of staples, tissue glue and adhesive tapes?
fast
easier
cheaper (some can be done with no GA)
what are the disadvantages of tissue glue?
stings a lot due to exothermic reaction it produces when working
risk of sticking to patient