What is surgical asepsis?
Complete destruction of microorganisms
What critical information must a medical assistant include when labeling specimen containers?
Patient’s name and date of birth
Medical history number
Date of collection
Type of specimen
What are some tools designed to hold tissue away from a surgical wound?
Retracting instruments
What determines the size of a surgical suture?
Smaller gauges (below 0 for finer tissues or low tension wounds) to thicker gauges ahove 0 high tensnion wounds
What is the recommended autoclave sterilization temperature?
250 to 255 F
What is the primary purpose of a Mayo stand in a minor surgery room?
To hold sterile instrument for easy and immediate access to surgeon
Which solution is commonly used as a surgical scrub preparation?
chlorhexidine and Betadine
What determines the effectiveness of autoclave sterilization?
steam moisture must come in contact with all surfaces being sterilized
Sanitation, timing and temperature, residual air, pre heat, wrapping
What is the primary function of a hemostat forceps?
Stopping bleeding
Which type of suture material dissolves during the healing process?
Absorbable sutures
What is a key advantage of using Steri-Strips?
Reduce the chance of infection and do not leave scars
Why should medical assistants place contaminated instruments in a disinfectant solution immediately?
To prevent airborne spread of microorganisms
What is the primary purpose of using topical silver nitrate during a surgical procedure?
To stop bleeding (homeostasis)
List instruments designed for gynecological procedures?
Placenta forceps
Endocervical curette
Sims uterine curette
Schroeder uterine vulsellum forceps
Hegar uterine dilators
Sims uterine sounds
What is a critical consideration when storing sterilized packs?
stored on dry, dust-free, covered shelves or in drawers
Why are chemical sterilization methods less practical in ambulatory facilities?
Cant be wrapped
Water
Long processing time
What is the recommended approach for unloading an autoclave?
Once pressure gauge reads “0,” stand back from door and open door approximately ¼ inch
Wear heat-resistant gloves
Allow load to dry for at least 15 minutes
Dry, wrapped packs may be removed with clean, dry hands
Place packs on dry, dust-free surface inside an enclosed cupboard or storage drawer
What is a key ethical responsibility when preparing a patient for surgery?
Explaining the patient preparation for the procedure, how the procedure will be performed, and what to expect afterward
