The perioperative nurse and his orientee have returned from an airway fire simulation exercise with the otorhinolaryngologic surgeon,fellow,and anesthesia provider.They were amazed at the statistics for OR fires and the threat of serious injury to the patient and team.Patients undergoing otorhinolaryngologic procedures are at greater risk for fire injury because of the proximity of the surgical field to high concentrations of oxygen.The team discussed a plan to change their practices.An example of a valid fire prevention strategy that involves the entire surgical team during otorhinolaryngologic surgery would be:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients undergoing otorhinolaryngologic procedures are at greater risk for fire injury because of the proximity of the surgical field to high concentrations of oxygen.Devices used in this specialty (e.g.,lasers,fiberoptic light cables,electrosurgical unit,high-speed surgical drills and burrs)further contribute to risk by providing a heat source and fuel.Specific recommendations that the perioperative team should consider include:
·Awareness of risk factors.Oxygen vents into surgical field from face masks,nasal cannulae,and uncuffed endotracheal tubes which can then accumulate under surgical drapes.This creates an oxygen-enriched atmosphere within the proximity of the surgical site for otorhinolaryngologic procedures.
·Anticipating risk.The perioperative nurse and scrub person should collaborate prior to procedures to plan for risk and ensure that sterile saline is available on the surgical field,a holster is used for the active ESU electrode (and not placed on the drapes),and that the volume of extraneous noise is kept to a minimum so that the audio from the ESU or laser can be heard.The team should be well versed on how to extinguish a fire and evacuation routes if necessary.

The Perioperative Nurse and His Orientee Have Returned from an Airway