Question 1

In most situations, the surgical suite is maintained as a positive pressure room. What is the pattern of air circulation for this type of room?
A)The flow of air moves out of the room, preventing outside air from entering.
B)The flow of air stays in the room, preventing inside air from exiting.
C)The flow of air is recycled through an isolated ventilation chamber.
D)Air in the room remains stagnant until the procedure is complete, when it flows into an isolated decontamination chamber.

Accepted Answer

A positive pressure room is one in which the flow of air moves out of the room, preventing outside air from entering. This is important in the operating room, as it prevents outside air, which may contain pathogens, from entering the room and possibly infecting the patient. Conversely, a negative pressure room is used with infectious patients as a form of isolation to keep them from infecting others.

Question 2

How are floors within operating suites designed to protect techs and staff during surgical procedures?
A)They have non-slip surfaces to reduce the incidence of falls.
B)They contain wicking materials that move excess moisture away from the location where a person is standing.
C)They contain protective coverings that allow for extra cushioning for those who must stand for long periods of time.
D)Both A and C

Accepted Answer

The floors within surgical suites have non-slip surfaces to reduce the incidence of falls. These floors are typically non-porous and easy to clean so that they do not harbor bacteria. The operating suite is designed to be maintained at a level of cleanliness that allows it to become as close to sterile as possible. Providing flooring that is clean and not slippery will reduce microorganisms as well as prevent injuries related to falling.

Question 3

While assisting in a surgical procedure, a perioperative tech pours saline into a sterile bowl. She inadvertently drops the bottle on the floor, spilling liquid beneath the instrument table. What is the most appropriate response in this situation?
A)Step around the liquid and tell others to avoid the area until the procedure is complete.
B)Dry the wet floor as much as possible without contaminating themself and notify staff of the damp area.
C)Call housekeeping to come in and clean the floor immediately.
D)Move the instrument table to the other side of the patient's bed and cordon off the wet area.

Accepted Answer

The tech should dry the wet floor as much as possible without contaminating themself and notify staff of the damp area. Spills that occur in the operating room during the procedure should be cleaned as quickly as possible to avoid incurring any injuries related to slips or falls. Once the procedure is finished, the housekeeping department may come and thoroughly clean the floor with the rest of the room.

Question 4

When preparing to move a patient from the operating table onto a transport gurney, which types of body mechanics are essential to prevent injury to the patient and team members?
A)Utilize as many people as possible in the transfer and lift using the arms and back.
B)Communicate plans for movement between team members and use the legs to bear much of the weight.
C)Plant the feet before moving and move the patient in a twisting motion with the upper body.
D)When possible, roll the patient over to move them onto the gurney.

Accepted Answer

When moving a patient, the tech should communicate plans for movement between team members and use the legs to bear much of the weight. Communicating plans for moving a patient provides better coordination so that everyone is aware of their role. Using the legs to bear the weight puts less strain on the back and reduces the risk of injury to the tech.

Question 5

What is the rationale for milking the tubing of a chest tube drainage system?
A)To assess for proper seal and prevent air from entering the chest.
B)To remove excess clots or debris.
C)To prevent bleeding or increased fluid output into the chamber.
D)Milking the tubing is not an appropriate intervention.

Accepted Answer

The rationale for milking the tubing of the chest tube drainage system is to remove excess clots or debris. At times, clots may collect in the tubing, which can impede drainage flow. This may be noted by observing decreased amounts of drainage coming from the chest tube or by visually noting an occlusion. Milking the chest tube is done very gently and according to hospital policy.

Quiz 7: Management

In most situations, the surgical suite is maintained as a positive pressure room. What is the pattern of air circulation for this type of room?

How are floors within operating suites designed to protect techs and staff during surgical procedures?

While assisting in a surgical procedure, a perioperative tech pours saline into a sterile bowl. She inadvertently drops the bottle on the floor, spilling liquid beneath the instrument table. What is the most appropriate response in this situation?

When preparing to move a patient from the operating table onto a transport gurney, which types of body mechanics are essential to prevent injury to the patient and team members?

What is the rationale for milking the tubing of a chest tube drainage system?