Chapter 12: Surgical Case Management: Fill in the Blank/Matching: Passing Technique

Identify the hand signals in figure 12-1 (A-D)

A) Request for a hemostat B) Request for a tissue forceps C) Request for scissors D) Request for a suture

Curved instruments

Aligned with the curve of the surgeon's hand/fingers

General rule for passing all items

Do not obstruct surgeon's view of operative site

Suture passing, control of strand

Draped behind hand to prevent surgeon grasping strand

Scalpel passed in neutral zone

Either surgeon or surgical technologist hand is in the area, not both; observe cautiously

Laparoscopic/endoscopic instruments

Guide tip into port after passage of handle

Ringed instruments

Held by box lock; passed into palm to elicit grasp reflex

As passed to surgeon, counted

Moist laps or sponges used for packing inside patient

Ray-Tec/lap sponges

Pass unfolded or lay open on field for surgeon use

Needle holder

Pass; needle tip up and same side as surgeons thumb

Scalpel passed to surgeon's hand

Pencil style; be sure to remove hand from danger area up and away from the blade