Unit 2: Surgical pack prep

Question 1

What is a recipe in a surgical pack

Answer 1

Instrument packs typically have recipes– keep in a procedure manual

Question 2

What should the recipe for a surgical pack include

Answer 2

The name and quantity of each instrument included in the pack
Types and quantities of supplies in each pack (ex. Number of gauze sponges)
A photo or illustration of each instrument
Specify whether linen or paper is used to wrap the pack
Manufacturers guidelines for any instrument that requires special handling and maintenance
Warranty information
Manufacturers contact info

Question 3

What quality does the ideal wrapping material have

Answer 3

Usually made of cotton or linen textiles or paper
Able to sustain heat and moisture
Ideal material should have the following properties
Selective permeability: steam or gas can penetrate and be easily exhaustible front eh pack. Microbes and dust particles must not be able to enter the middle of the pack
Restistiance: resistant to damage when handled
Flexibility: needs to be able to conform to the shape of the pack
Memory: after the pack has been opened, the material should lay in a flat position
140-188 threads/square inch – more important than weight ot texture

Question 4

What should you do with surgical wraps after surgery is done

Answer 4

Wraps must be laundered separately from nonsurgical laundry
They should be inspected for damage each time they are washed
Cotton is the best option for textile wraps

Question 5

When should you discard surgical wraps

Answer 5

Discard of worn wraps
- Steam is unable to penetrate heat-sealed patches as well
- Stitches create passages for microbes
Paper wraps
- Crepe paper is preferred over non crepe paper – should not be reused

Question 6

What does steam indicator tape have on it

Answer 6

The contents of the pack, date of sterilization, and the initials of individual it should all be written on the tape

Question 7

What should you have before sealing a pack

Answer 7

Include a steam chemical indicator strip in the pack
Double wrap
Steam indicator tape

Question 8

What does a surgical drape pack have and in what order from bottom to top

Answer 8

1 fenestrated drape
4 hand towels
1 mayo stand cover
Steam chemical indicator strip
Two layer wrap and sealed with autoclave tape

Question 9

What do we need to write on our autoclave tape

Answer 9

Contents of pack (“Drape Pack”) – may include size of drape
Date of sterilization
Initials of individual who prepared it

Question 10

What are some important things to think of when doing surgical packs

Answer 10

All items to be sterilized must be clean and in good condition
Wrap material needs to be durable enough to sustain sterilization process
There are standardized packs for common procedures – ex. Spay and neuter packs
Packs must fit into the autoclave
All packs should be wrapped using the same method so they can be unwrapped in the same way
A steam chemical indicator stip should be placed in the middle of all packs
The outer wrap should be sealed with indicator tape to indicate that the pack has been autoclaved and has not been opened