Deck 13: Potential Sources of Injury to the Caregiver and the Patient

Question 1

The ventilating system in the perioperative environment evacuates odors quickly by exchanging air ____ times an hour and with ____ exchanges of fresh air.

A) 12;5
B) 15;3
C) 3;12
D) 3;15

Answer 1

B
The ventilating system can evacuate odors quickly by exchanging air 15 times an hour with 3 fresh air exchanges.

Question 2

When preparing cytotoxic agents,eye protection and a pair of gloves provide sufficient coverage.

Answer 2

False
When preparing cytotoxic agents,a mask,eye protection,gown,and thick gloves are needed protective equipment to prevent respiratory and skin contact.Also,use a containment hood or vertical laminar flow hood if available.

Question 3

Women who are pregnant should not work in the OR because of the unavoidable health risks.

Answer 3

False
The employee can decide for herself whether she wishes to stay in the perioperative environment.The facility should have a policy for pregnant employees that may include regular breaks,a limit on lifting of heavy items,and a limit of exposure to gases and radiation.

Question 4

Which chemical sterilizing agent is the least toxic but has fumes that can be irritating to the eyes,nose,and throat?

A) Formaldehyde
B) Ethylene oxide
C) Glutaraldehyde
D) Phenol

Question 5

Which item in the OR could cause a fire or explosion?

A) Nylon suture
B) IV tubing
C) Oxygen or nitrous oxide gas
D) Saline soaked sponges

Question 6

If gloves are worn during exposure to infectious waste or contaminated supplies,handwashing is not necessary after removing gloves.

Question 7

Which is an example of a biologic hazard in the OR?

A) Back injury
B) Cytotoxic drug
C) Electricity
D) Infectious waste

Question 8

Electrical current applied to a patient's trunk,from where it can follow many paths through the body,is considered a microshock.

Question 9

Once the patient is asleep,it is okay to play loud music or talk loud in the OR.

Question 10

What could cause an electrical injury to a patient during a procedure?

A) Electrosurgical unit not grounded due to a faulty return electrode pad
B) Cool instruments touching patient's bare skin
C) Insulated endoscopic instruments
D) Use of saline on sterile field

Question 11

Which is an incorrect principle of good body mechanics?

A) Push stretchers,tables,and heavy equipment.
B) Stand with a narrow stance at the OR table to avoid fatigue.
C) Change position frequently or walk around if possible.
D) Bend knees to get the body weight under the load.

Question 12

Exposure to waste anesthetic gases is not a problem for perioperative members as long as they wear a mask in the OR.

Question 13

OSHA is authorized to enforce its standards and inspect health care facilities for compliance with standards.

Question 14

When working with disinfectants such as phenol or povidone-iodine,what steps should be taken to protect yourself?

A) Wear goggles.
B) Use a fan in the OR to dissipate the fumes.
C) Wear corneal protectors.
D) Wear a mask with proper nasal and mouth openings to allow air to escape.

Question 15

Which are examples of infectious waste?

A) Blood and blood products
B) Instrument tray wrappers
C) Unused sponges from the prep tray
D) Unused drapes

Question 16

Which is not a valid safeguard to be used when working with electrical equipment?

A) Do not stretch power cables.
B) Unplug power cords by pulling on the cord.
C) Ground all equipment.
D) Make sure machines are turned off before plugging them in.

Question 17

In what case might methyl methacrylate be used?

A) Corneal transplant
B) Hip replacement
C) Cholecystectomy
D) Carpal tunnel repair

Question 18

Prep solutions containing alcohol and fat solvents do not have to be dry before draping because they will continue to dry on their own after draping.

Question 19

Pregnant staff members are not exposed to radiation in any procedure in the OR.

Question 20

It is all right to use the electrosurgical unit (ESU)near the rectum after the rectum has been packed with a moist sponge.

Question 21

Which is a proper anesthesia technique?

A) Inspect masks,tubing,and endotracheal tubes each week for leaks and holes.
B) Use masks that loosely fit the contours of the patient's face to encourage the escape of gasses.
C) Perform preventive maintenance of anesthesia machines every 6 months.
D) Avoid spilling liquid halogenated agents.

Question 22

Which is an example of a bloodborne disease that can be transmitted through a needlestick injury,cut,or a splash with blood or body fluids?

A) Hepatitis
B) Peritonitis
C) Macular degeneration
D) Pancreatitis

Question 23

When using a fire extinguisher,what mnemonic device can be recalled to help one remember the correct usage steps?

A) RACE
B) PACE
C) PASS
D) PULL

Question 24

What item may not be used within the MRI environment?

A) Titanium hemostats
B) Plastic drape clips
C) Magnetic metal table
D) Plastic coated scissors

Question 25

Which is one way to reduce static electricity?

A) Cover patients with wool or warmer synthetic blankets.
B) Keep the drapes away from the anesthesia machine and reservoir bag.
C) Keep the relative humidity in the perioperative environment between 20% and 30%.
D) Turn power equipment on before plugging into an electrical outlet.

Question 26

Which is a common injury caused by holding retractors in one position for prolonged periods?

A) Retinal detachment
B) Femoral stress fracture
C) Carpal tunnel syndrome
D) Chronic fatigue syndrome

Question 27

Which is a protective equipment item worn while fluoroscopy is being used in the OR?

A) Exam gloves
B) Surgical scrub top
C) Fluid-proof shield
D) Lead thyroid collar

Question 28

If a fire occurs in the OR during a surgical procedure,which action can the scrub person assist with at the sterile field?

A) Use a towel to fan the area over the fire to assist with lowering the smoke that is created.
B) Place a dry sterile towel or laparotomy tape over the fire source to contain it.
C) Place a metal basin over the source of fire to prevent its spread.
D) Use saline soaked towels or laparotomy tapes to smother the fire on the field.

Question 29

Which agency sets standards for the disposal of infectious and hazardous waste in the OR setting?

A) Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
B) The Joint Commission (TJC)
C) U.S.Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
D) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Question 30

Which group of people is more prone to a latex allergy?

A) Children with spina bifida
B) Food service workers
C) People with allergy to shellfish
D) People allergic to poison ivy or dust

Question 31

What equipment in the OR can help decrease the amount of surgical plume during a procedure?

A) Wet laparotomy sponges
B) Fans in the OR to circulate the air
C) Smoke evacuator
D) Increased number of air exchanges within the operating room