Chapter 12: Surgical Case Management; Short Answer: Intraoperative Responsibilities; Surgical Case Management: Postoperative Phase

Describe the rationale for preserving the sterile field after surgery, especially for frequent bleeders such as a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T & A) and carotid endarterectomy. In these cases, the scrub may not assist with drape removal in order to preserve the sterile field. Why?

In case of emergency and the surgeon needs to go back in, such as bleeding or hematoma.

3) Used sponges

Kick bucket, replace with clean

Describe how to remove the drape after the case. What are you checking for during this process?

Make sure everything is removed from the drape, such as instruments and sponges. Then roll slowly down from top to bottom of patient and discard.

2) Used sharps (include what is done for a full needle pad/box)

Place needles and blades in needle pad on back table; Once the case is done, close all sharps in the needle pad/box and throw in sharps/hazard waste.

Describe the sequence for removing your gown and gloves at the end of the procedure.

Remove the gown first and pull off gloves with your gown making sure to not contaminate your skin.

4) Medications/Syringes

State what you are passing; swoop and cap when placed back on mayo stand.

Maintaining order, counts, and safety essential; describe what the surgical technologist's responsibilities are for each of the following items. 1) ESU-active electrode

Clean and place in holder

5) Instruments

Count, clean with water, do not lay instrument, everything in its place.