Duties of the OR Team
Who is responsible for placing the grounding pad on the patient?
During what phase of the procedure does placing the grounding pad take place?
Circulator, Preoperative Phase
Who can assist the surgeon by suturing the skin on a minor procedure?
1st assistant
In general where should the sterile field always be established?
How many instrument counts are taken during the preoperative phase?
When are these counts performed?
1-After all counted items are organized on the back table prior to setting up the mayo stand
Which members of the OR team are required to participate in the surgical Time Out?
ALL OR TEAM MEMBERS- surgeon, assistant, CSTs, circulator, anesthesia provider
Who is responsible for handing square off towels to the surgeon or their assistant?
What phase of the surgical procedure does squaring off occur in?
Which OR team member has the main responsibility of patient care and creation of the documentation of the OR record?
Circulator
When opening the OR, what order should items be opened in? What should be opened first, next, and finally last?
Back table, ring stand or instrument basket, 1st scrub gown and gloves, small individually wrapped items onto the back table or into the basin
What order are items count in when performing the initial count during the preoperative case management phase of the surgical procedure?
Sponges (largest to smallest), Atraumatic needles, Sharps, Instruments
The Time Out has to occur prior to transition into what phase of the surgical procedure?
Intraoperative Phase
Who is responsible for organizing soiled discarded sponges on an impervious mat on the floor prior to the start of closing counts?
During what phase of the surgical procedure are discarded soiled sponges organized?
Circulator, Intraoperative Phase
The surgical technologist serves in what role when they are directly assisting the surgeon on a minor case when no 1st assistant is present?
2nd Assistant
What task has to be completed at the beginning of the day prior to setting up for the first procedure scheduled in an OR?
Damp dusting- wiping all surfaces from the top down and mopping the floor to remove any dust that may have settled that can cause potential contamination
When should dressing sponges be opened by the circulator onto the sterile back table?
After all final closing counts have been completed and are correct
What fire risk score is associated with the highest risk of fire?
3
Who is responsible for performing the Time Out and reading the informed consent?
During what phase of the surgical procedure is the Time Out performed?
Circulator, Preoperative Phase
What role is the surgical technologist serving in when they are holding retractors or manipulating the endoscope on a large procedure in addition to a 1st assistant?
2nd scrub
What type of attire is designed to protect OR personnel from microbial contact and environmental hazards? This type includes exam gloves, protective eye wear and radiation protection
Protective Attire
Explain how to count a multi-pack of atraumatic needles.
What three factors are assessed to determine the fire risk assessment score for a surgical procedure?
Open oxygen source
Available ignition source
Surgical Site Above the Xyphoid
Who is responsible for applying the first layer of dressings?
During what phase of the surgical procedure does this application occur?
Surgical Technologist, Intraoperative Phase
What role is the surgical technologist serving in when they are responsible for setting up the sterile field, performing all counts during the procedure and handing instruments to the members of the OR team?
1st scrub
Hold items
What order are the areas of the OR counted in when performing closing counts?
Field, mayo stand, back table, floor (items off the field)
What is the fire score for a total thyroidectomy procedure?
Patient is asleep during the procedure with an endotracheal tube in place
Incision is horizontal in a natural skin fold superior to the clavicle
Monopolar and bipolar cautery are utilized
3