Basics
What is the meaning of surgical asepsis?
Ensuring that all equipment/supplies are completely free or any microorganisms (sterile)
-Used for invasive procedures
After a suspicious mole was evaluated using ABCDE screening, the provider performs a punch biopsy.
The MA should collect the tissue in a specimen container with what solution?
10% Formalin
A deep jagged wound is classified as a
laceration
Name 2 common antiseptics used to prep the skin before a procedure.
Iodine
Chlorhexidine
Name a condition or other factor that can put a patient at risk for delayed wound healing.
Diabetes, smoking or vascular disease, obesity, malnourishment, elderly, some medications (steroids/NSAIDs)
Who is responsible for educating the patient on the procedure to be preformed and obtains informed consent?
The provider performing the procedure
A patient is having a cryosurgery procedure to remove several warts. What solution is prepared for this procedure?
Liquid nitrogen
A patient sustained a puncture wound from a dog bite. This injury may require that the MA administers which vaccine?
Tetanus vaccine
(prevent anaerobic Tetanus bacterial infection)
When sutures are placed what should be noted in the chart? (2)
Number of sutures placed
Patient's response to procedure
Give an example of a grasping instrument.
Hemostats, forceps, towel clamps
When you are caring for a traumatic wound, what is the first priority?
Stop bleeding (promote hemostasis)
A patient has a large abscess. What surgical procedure will likely be performed?
Incision and drainage
A patient sustained a blunt force injury to their chest area during a MVA with airbag deployment. What is this injury called?
Chest contusion
You are assisting with laser surgery. What are 2 safety measures that you would be sure to use?
Sign in Use; Door/blinds closed
Safety goggles (you and patient)
Flammable items removed; fire extinguisher present
Cover shiny surfaces
When would you expect absorbable sutures to be placed?
Deep internal wound layers, oral surgery
Provide 3 ways that a sterile field would become contaminated.
Something unsterile touches the field
The field becomes wet
You turn your back on or reach across the field
You touch beyond the 1" border
You position the field below waist level
What type of procedure is commonly used to stop severe epistaxis?
electrocauterization
How do you keep a nonsurgical wound from becoming infected?
Clean it! Clean carefully with antiseptic soap and sterile water to remove debris and pathogens
Then apply sterile dressing and bandage if needed
What are 2 methods to pass a scalpel during a procedure?
Hold scalpel blade down with fingers behind blade
Passing tray
Describe the steps of suture removal.
Clean site with antiseptic.
Lift knot gently with thumb dressing forceps.
Use suture scissors to cut suture close to skin.
Pull suture up and toward the wound.
Count and compare to # placed in chart.
During a lac repair the lidocaine begins to wear off.
You go to the med room and get the Lidocaine 1% vial. How do you provide extra Lidocaine to the provider who remains sterile?
Hold vial with both hands and label facing up.
Point vial downward so provider can insert needle into vial.
What is the name of the procedure where dead necrotic tissue is cut away to promote healing in the wound bed?
Debridement
What is the treatment for a third degree burn?
Always requires emergency intervention (Rule of Nines-calculates TBSA% burned)
-Cover with sterile gauze, do not open blisters/remove clothing, place sterile gauze between burned fingers, elevate body part if able
What are the steps of a surgical skin prep?
Clean the skin (antiseptic soap/cleanse sterile H2O)
Clip or shave hair
Apply antiseptic in concentric circles 2" beyond site (iodine or chlorhexidine)
Apply sterile drape (may be fenestrated)
A provider uses ABCDE screening to determine if a skin lesion is suspicious for cancer. What do these letters stand for? (Provide at least 3)
Asymetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving