Overview and Introduction in the Operating Room / Delivery Room: Student Nurse Perspective.

Summary

This video from the BSN Level 4 Block A4 Group 1 at Southwestern University explores fundamental concepts nurses must understand in the operating room. It covers essential topics such as surgical scrubbing, gowning, gloving, serving of gown and gloves, surgical timeout, and introduces various surgical instruments. The content aims to equip viewers with practical knowledge and skills required in surgical environments. Detailed explanations are provided on proper techniques for handwashing, gowning, and using instruments such as electrosurgical pencils, scissors, forceps, and retractors, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Proper hand hygiene is essential for maintaining sterility in the operating room, beginning with medical hand washing and then moving to surgical scrubbing.
• 😀 Surgical scrubbing requires careful and systematic washing of hands and arms, using a prescribed brush and a pattern for effective sterility maintenance.
• 😀 When gowning, ensure to pick up the sterile towel and gown while keeping the gown free from contamination and maintain proper positioning for glove placement.
• 😀 The circulating nurse is responsible for assisting with gowning, securing gloves, and ensuring that all equipment is sterile during the procedure.
• 😀 Surgical gloves should be handled carefully to maintain sterility, with the cuff of the glove aligned with the gown cuff.
• 😀 A proper surgical timeout is necessary before starting the procedure, ensuring that all team members are aligned with the patient's details and surgical plan.
• 😀 Surgical instruments, such as electrosurgical pencils, forceps, and scissors, are crucial for different functions, from cutting tissue to grasping delicate structures.
• 😀 The electrosurgical pencil uses electrical current for cutting and coagulating tissues, and it is operated with a switch or foot pedal.
• 😀 Forceps, such as Halstead and Kelly forceps, are used for clamping and occluding bleeders, as well as securing delicate tissues during surgery.
• 😀 It is vital to inspect surgical instruments like scissors and forceps for any damage (e.g., dents or defects) before use to ensure smooth operations and prevent further complications.
• 😀 Various types of retractors and needle holders, such as the Mayo-Hegar needle holder and the Army-Navy retractor, are used for retracting tissues and holding needles securely during suturing.

Q & A

What are the essential steps involved in medical hand washing as described in the script?

The steps include wetting hands with clean running water, applying soap and lathering it on the palms, back of the hands, between the fingers, and fingertips. After scrubbing, rinse hands thoroughly, ensuring no soap remains, and dry hands using a paper towel.

How does the surgical scrubbing process begin according to the script?

The surgical scrubbing process begins by assembling equipment, adjusting the water temperature to a comfortable setting, wetting hands and arms, applying detergent, and then scrubbing using a brush for specific times on nails, fingers, palms, and arms.

What is the procedure for gowning in a sterile environment?

To gown, the sterile towel is used to dry the hands. The gown is picked up and placed at the neckline. The arms are extended into the sleeves, and the gown is secured by the circulating nurse, maintaining sterility throughout the process.

What are the key steps for properly gloving a surgical team member?

The process involves the circulating nurse assisting in gloving by picking up a sterile glove, ensuring the dominant hand stays inside the gown cuff, and maintaining an aseptic technique while the person wears the glove and the same is done for the other hand.

Why is surgical timeout an important step before starting surgery?

Surgical timeout is essential to verify the patient's identity, the procedure being performed, and the roles of the surgical team. It ensures that all necessary checks are made to avoid errors.

What is the function of the electrosurgical pencil (Bovie)?

The electrosurgical pencil, also known as Bovie, is used for cutting and coagulating tissues using electrical current, helping to control bleeding and assist with dissection during surgeries.

What is the difference between Halstead forceps and Kelly forceps?

Halstead forceps are smaller with fine tips and horizontal serrations, often used for occluding bleeders in delicate procedures, while Kelly forceps are larger and used more generally to grasp small objects or occlude larger bleeders.

What is the purpose of using Lister bandage scissors during surgery?

Lister bandage scissors, with a flat, blunt tip, are used for cutting dressings, drapes, and other items, ensuring safety during procedures like cesarean sections without harming the patient.

Why is it important to check the screw on scissors before use during surgery?

Checking the screw on scissors is crucial because a loose or un-tightened screw could cause the instrument to drop into the wound, which could lead to complications or infection.

How should a number 3 scalpel handle be used during surgery?

A number 3 scalpel handle is used to hold various scalpel blades, making precise skin incisions. Once the incision is made, the scalpel should be placed in the neutral zone to prevent accidental injuries, and it should never be handled directly by fingers after use.