Surgical Counts and Supine Position

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Questions and Answers

Surgical counts are performed to prevent retained surgical items and to ensure patient ______.

safety

One of the times when counts need to be performed is after closure of a ______.

cavity

The supine position, also called the dorsal ______ position, is commonly used for abdominal and cardiovascular procedures.

recumbent

In the Trendelenburg position, a variation of the supine, the head is lower than the ______.

<p>feet</p> Signup and view all the answers

A Semi-Fowler's position involves a 30-45° incline and is often used during ______ procedures.

<p>neurosurgical</p> Signup and view all the answers

[Blank], rectal, axillary and tympanic are all temperature monitoring techniques.

<p>oral</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) is considered to be experiencing ______.

<p>hyperthermia</p> Signup and view all the answers

Common pulse points include the radial, carotid, and ______ arteries.

<p>brachial</p> Signup and view all the answers

[Blank] is defined as a slow heart rate, typically under 60 bpm.

<p>bradycardia</p> Signup and view all the answers

[Blank] or difficulty breathing while lying flat is relieved by sitting or standing.

<p>orthopnea</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Why are surgical counts performed?

To prevent retained surgical items, ensure patient safety, and maintain accountability.

When are surgical counts performed?

Before incision, during cavity closure, and skin layer closure.

Supine Position

Also known as the dorsal recumbent position, useful for abdominal, cardiovascular, and orthopedic procedures.

Trendelenburg Position

Head lower than feet to improve visualization in pelvic/lower abdominal surgeries.

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Reverse Trendelenburg Position

Head higher than feet to reduce blood flow in upper abdominal or head/neck surgeries.

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Semi-Fowler's Position

30–45° incline, used for neurosurgical and head/neck procedures.

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Fowler's Position

45-90° incline, reduces blood flow to the upper body; used for breast, head & neck, and shoulder.

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Temperature Monitoring Techniques

Oral, rectal, axillary, tympanic (ear), temporal artery (forehead) thermometers.

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Common pulse points

Radial, carotid, brachial, femoral, popliteal, dorsalis pedis, posterior tibial.

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Normal pulse rate

Normal resting pulse: 60–100 bpm.

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Study Notes

  • Surgical counts are performed for three main reasons:

  • Preventing retained surgical items like sponges or instruments

  • Ensuring patient safety and lessening the chance of complications after surgery

  • Upholding legal and professional standards for the surgical team

  • Surgical counts should occur at these times:

  • Before the first cut into the skin

  • When a cavity is opened within another cavity

  • When a cavity is being closed

  • After all layers of tissue are closed

Supine Position

  • The supine position is also referred to as the dorsal recumbent position
  • This position is useful for:
  • Surgeries of the abdomen
  • Cardiovascular system
  • Orthopedic procedures
  • Provides access to the head, neck, upper extremities, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and lower extremities

Variations of the Supine Position

  • Trendelenburg: head is lower than the feet, to improve view in pelvic and lower abdominal surgeries
  • Reverse Trendelenburg: head is higher than the feet, reduces blood flow in upper abdominal or head/neck surgeries
  • Semi-Fowler’s: Angle of 30–45°, for neurosurgical and head/neck procedures
  • Fowler’s: Angle of 45–90°, decreases blood flow to upper body, used for breast, head, neck, and shoulder procedures

Temperature Monitoring

  • Temperature can be monitored with oral, rectal, axillary, tympanic (ear), and temporal artery (forehead) thermometers

Normal Temperature Values

  • Normal body temperature is 98.6°F
  • Hyperthermia: Abnormally high temperature above 100.4°F (38°C), may be an infection or a heat-related illness
  • Hypothermia: Abnormally low temperature below 95°F (35°C), possibly from cold exposure or anesthesia

Pulse & Pressure Points

  • Common pulse points include radial, carotid, brachial, femoral, popliteal, dorsalis pedis, and posterior tibial arteries
  • Assessing circulation and taking blood pressure

Normal Pulse Values & Definitions

  • Normal resting pulse: 60–100 bpm
  • Tachycardia: Fast heart rate of over 100 bpm
  • Bradycardia: Slow heart rate of under 60 bpm
  • Dysrhythmia: Irregular heart rhythm
  • Ventricular tachycardia: Fast, abnormal heartbeat from ventricles, life-threatening
  • Ventricular fibrillation: Disorganized electrical signals, no effective pumping
  • Asystole: Absence of heart activity

Respiratory Rate, Rhythm, and Breath Sounds

  • Normal respiratory rate lies between 12–20 breaths per minute
  • Rhythm should be regular, unlabored and have sounds that are clear
  • Apnea: Temporary absence of breathing
  • Dyspnea: Difficulty breathing
  • Orthopnea: Difficulty breathing while lying down
  • Eupnea: Normal breathing
  • Cheyne-Stokes: Abnormal breathing with deep, shallow cycles

Blood Pressure Measurement

  • Sphygmomanometer, stethoscope, and blood pressure cuff are used to measure blood pressure

Normal Blood Pressure

  • Normal blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg
  • Hypertension: High blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg, raises the risk of stroke and heart disease
  • Hypotension: Low blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg, causes fainting, dizziness, and shock

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