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

Question 1

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

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

Answer 1

D
Biologic hazards can include the patient (as a source or host of pathogenic organisms),infectious waste,cuts or needlestick injuries,surgical plume,and latex sensitivity.

Question 2

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.

Answer 2

D
Liquid halogenated agents should not be spilled and the gas flow should not be turned on until the mask is in place or the patient is intubated and the endotracheal tube is connected to the breathing circuit.

Question 3

Noise in the OR should be kept as quite as possible.What are major sources of noise?

A)High-pitched power instruments
B)Noise from the front desk
C)Laughing from the lounge
D)Anesthetic gas

Answer 3

A
The OR should be as quite as possible except for team communication.Examples of noise come from monitors,instruments,suction,loud talking,music,paper,gloves,and high-pitched power instruments.

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 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 6

In what case might methyl methacrylate be used?

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

Question 7

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 8

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

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 9

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 10

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 apron with thyroid collar

Question 11

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

Question 12

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 13

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 14

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)20; 4
C)3; 12
D)3; 15

Question 15

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 16

Which of the following safeguards should not be done 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

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 18

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 19

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 20

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 21

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

Question 22

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

Question 23

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

Question 24

The facility's risk management personnel are responsible for tracking safety issues and potential injury.

Question 25

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

Question 26

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

Question 27

Competency in using equipment should be tested regularly because technology changes often.

Question 28

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 29

Patients are protected from electrical current and burns by placing a Bovie pad or dispersive electrode.

Question 30

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

Question 31

What item may not be used within the MRI environment?

A)Titanium hemostats
B)Plastic drape clips
C)Metal implants
D)Plastic coated scissors