CSCT flashcards
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32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Sterile field border
- The outer edge of a sterile wrapper is considered nonsterile; only the inner surface and draped areas are sterile.
- Sterile gown sterile areas
- A sterile gown is sterile from chest to waist and sleeve to cuff; the back, shoulders, and below the waist are nonsterile.
- Surgical scrub purpose
- Removes transient flora and reduces resident flora on hands and forearms to reduce surgical site infection risk.
- Positive-pressure OR
- Operating rooms maintain positive pressure with HEPA-filtered air to reduce airborne contamination and surgical site infection risk.
- Spaulding classification
- Critical items require sterilization; semicritical items require high-level disinfection; noncritical items require low-level disinfection.
- Steam sterilization parameters
- Standard gravity displacement: 121°C (250°F) at 15 psi for about 30 minutes, or 132–134°C at higher pressure for about 4 minutes.
- Biological indicator steam
- Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores are used to monitor steam sterilization efficacy.
- Biological indicator ethylene oxide
- Bacillus atrophaeus spores are used to monitor ethylene oxide and dry heat sterilization.
- Event-related sterility
- Sterile packages remain sterile indefinitely if package integrity and storage conditions are maintained; shelf-life dates are not required.
- High-level disinfectants
- Glutaraldehyde, ortho-phthalaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and peracetic acid are used for semicritical items with appropriate contact time.
- Universal protocol
- Verifies patient identity, procedure, and site; includes site marking and a time-out before incision.
- Surgical site marking
- The surgeon marks the site for procedures involving laterality or multiple levels; the mark remains visible after skin prep.
- Skin prep direction
- Cleanse from the incision site outward (clean to dirty) using an approved antiseptic and allow full dry time.
- Hair removal method
- Use clippers immediately before surgery if hair removal is required; razors increase surgical site infection risk.
- Trendelenburg position
- The patient is supine with the head lowered and feet elevated; used for pelvic or lower abdominal access.
- Lithotomy position
- The patient is supine with legs elevated and abducted in stirrups; used for gynecologic, urologic, and some colorectal procedures.
- Scrub person role
- Maintains the sterile field, organizes instruments, passes instruments, and participates in counts.
- Circulator role
- Nonsterile team member who documents, manages supplies, monitors the field, and advocates for the patient.
- Scalpel pass
- Pass the scalpel with the handle toward the surgeon and the blade protected or directed away from the receiver.
- Electrosurgery safety
- Keep the active electrode in a holster when not in use and ensure the return electrode has full skin contact.
- Specimen labeling
- Label at collection with patient identifiers, specimen type, site, and laterality; verify with the surgeon before transport.
- Formalin fixative
- 10% neutral buffered formalin is used for routine tissue; do not use it when frozen section or culture is required.
- Count timing
- Counts occur before incision, at cavity closure, and at skin closure or end of procedure, and at shift change.
- Count discrepancy
- Recount, notify the surgeon, search the field and room, and consider intraoperative imaging before closure.
- Standard precautions
- Apply hand hygiene and PPE based on exposure risk to all patients regardless of diagnosis.
- Sharps disposal
- Never recap by hand; use a one-handed scoop or safety device and dispose in a sharps container at point of use.
- Needlestick response
- Wash with soap and water, report immediately, and follow post-exposure prophylaxis protocol; do not squeeze or use bleach.
- Surgical smoke
- Electrosurgery and lasers produce smoke that may contain infectious and toxic material; use smoke evacuation.
- Malignant hyperthermia
- Triggered by volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine; signs include hypercarbia, tachycardia, rigidity, and hyperthermia; treat with dantrolene.
- Surgical fire triad
- Oxidizer (oxygen), ignition source (electrosurgery/laser), and fuel (drapes, prep, hair) must all be present for a fire.
- Informed consent
- Obtained by the provider performing the procedure; verify it is signed and matches the planned procedure before the time-out.
- Late entry documentation
- Record late entries with the actual date and time of entry and note the delay; never alter or erase an existing record.