Author Question: The circulating nurse in the operating room is observing the surgical technologist while applying a ... (Read 86 times)

mspears3 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The circulating nurse in the operating room is observing the surgical technologist while applying a sterile gown and gloves to care for a patient having an appendectomy.

Which behaviors indicate to the nurse that the procedure by the surgical technologist is correct? (Select all that apply.)
a. Ties the back of own gown
b. Touches only the inside of gown
c. Slips arms into arm holes simultaneously
d. Extended fingers fully into both of the gloves
e. Uses hands covered by sleeves to open gloves
f. Applies surgical cap and face mask in the operating suite

Question 2

The nurse manager is evaluating current infection control data for the intensive care unit. The nurse compares past patient data with current data to look for trends. The nurse manager examines the infection chain for possible solutions.

In which order will the nurse arrange the items for the infection chain beginning with the first step?
1. A mode of transmission
2. An infectious agent or pathogen
3. A susceptible host
4. A reservoir or source for pathogen growth
5. A portal of entry to a host
6. A portal of exit from the reservoir
a. 3, 2, 4, 1, 5, 6
b. 1, 3, 5, 4, 6, 2
c. 4, 2, 1, 6, 3, 5
d. 2, 4, 6, 1, 5, 3

enass · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B, C, D, E
To maintain sterility, the surgical technologist (ST) touches the inside of the gown that will be against the body. Arms are slipped simultaneously into the gown to prevent contamination. Using the sleeves covering the hands maintains the principle of sterile only touching sterile to open gloves. Extending the fingers fully into both gloves ensures that the ST has full dexterity while using the sterile gloved hand. Surgical cap, face mask, and eye wear are applied before entering the surgical area and completing the surgical scrub. Reaching behind to tie the back of the gown will contaminate the sterile area of the gown.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
For spread of infection, the chain has to be uninterrupted with an infectious agent, a reservoir and portal of exit, a mode of transmission, a portal of entry, and a susceptible host. The nurse manager is evaluating the chain of infection to determine actions that could be implemented to influence the spread of infection in the intensive care unit. Understanding the spread of infection and directing actions toward those steps have the potential to decrease infection in the setting.