Surgical Hand Washing Procedures
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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of ensuring sleeves are at least two to three inches above the elbows during the procedure?

  • To allow better movement while scrubbing
  • To reduce the risk of injury from water
  • To provide a safer environment for the hands
  • To prevent sleeves from becoming moist (correct)

Why should jewelry be removed before the surgical scrub?

  • Jewelry harbors microorganisms (correct)
  • Jewelry can cause allergic reactions
  • Jewelry may become lost in the procedure
  • Jewelry can cause distractions during surgery

What is the recommended duration for the friction motion while scrubbing hands?

  • 1-2 minutes
  • As long as needed until hands feel clean
  • 3-5 minutes (correct)
  • 5-10 minutes

During the surgical scrub, why is it important to keep hands lower than the elbows?

<p>To allow water to flow toward the fingertips (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective method to clean under the fingernails during the scrub?

<p>Using a nail file (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of water is recommended for the surgical scrub to ensure hands do not dry out?

<p>Warm water (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct amount of antimicrobial agent to use during the hand scrub?

<p>1 teaspoon (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be the direction of rinsing water during the scrub process?

<p>From fingertips to the sink (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a surgical hand scrub?

<p>To significantly reduce the number of skin bacteria (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be removed before performing a surgical hand wash?

<p>Jewelry such as rings and bracelets (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bacteria is targeted during the surgical hand scrub?

<p>Transient and resident bacteria (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs if hands touch anything during the surgical hand scrub process?

<p>The entire procedure must be repeated (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT required for an effective surgical hand scrub agent?

<p>It should be effective only against bacteria (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should nails be kept short during surgical hand scrubs?

<p>To minimize the harboring of microorganisms (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice regarding the skin before a surgical hand scrub?

<p>Skin on hands and arms should be intact (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an incorrect practice during a surgical hand scrub?

<p>Wearing artificial nails (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Surgical hand scrub

The removal of transient and resident bacteria from the hands and forearms using an antimicrobial soap or alcohol-based hand rub.

Transient bacteria

Bacteria that live on the skin for a short period of time.

Resident bacteria

Bacteria that are normally present on the skin and are more difficult to remove.

Medical hand washing

A hand wash performed before and after examining a patient.

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Surgical hand washing

A hand wash performed before performing a surgical procedure.

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Alcohol-based hand rub

A hand hygiene technique that uses an alcohol-based hand rub to reduce microorganisms on the hands.

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Antimicrobial

Any substance that inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

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Broad-spectrum antimicrobial

A type of antimicrobial agent that is effective against a wide range of microorganisms.

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Inspecting hands for sores

Open cuts or sores on the hands can harbor microorganisms, potentially leading to contamination during procedures. Therefore, it's crucial to inspect hands for any sores or abrasions before engaging in surgical procedures.

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Handwashing positioning

The position of your body, clothing, and the direction of water flow during handwashing are important factors to ensure the effectiveness of the scrubbing process and prevent contamination.

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Sleeve positioning

Keeping sleeves above the elbows prevents them from getting wet during the handwashing process. This is crucial for maintaining sterility and minimizing the risk of contamination.

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Jewelry removal

Jewelry can harbor microorganisms, increasing the risk of infections. Therefore, it should be removed and stored safely before performing a surgical procedure.

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Warm water during handwashing

Warm water is preferred for handwashing as it helps minimize the drying of hands and maximizes the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents.

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Hand positioning during rinsing

Keeping hands lower than the elbows during handwashing allows water to flow towards the fingertips, effectively carrying away microorganisms and ensuring proper cleaning.

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Amount of antimicrobial agent

A sufficient amount of antimicrobial agent (soap) is crucial for creating a proper lather and ensuring effective scrubbing. Applying about 1 teaspoon is typically sufficient.

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Circular motions during scrubbing

Using firm, circular motions with both hands and forearms helps ensure a comprehensive scrubbing action, effectively removing microorganisms from all surfaces of the hands.

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Cleaning under the nails

Nail files are more effective than nail brushes for cleaning under the fingernails. The subnail area (under the fingernails) can harbor microorganisms and requires thorough cleaning.

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Study Notes

Surgical Hand Washing

  • Skin is a major source of microorganisms, a major source of contamination in OR settings
  • Sterile gloves must be worn as skin cannot be sterilized
  • Surgical hand scrub reduces skin bacteria on OR staff hands and arms
  • Skin bacteria multiply under gloves if hands are not washed with antimicrobial soap
  • Surgical hand scrub inhibits bacteria growth under gloves

Types of Hand Washing

  • Medical hand washing: A hand wash performed before and after examining a patient
  • Surgical hand washing: Done before a surgical procedure

Purpose of Surgical Scrub

  • Removes transient and resident bacteria from fingers, hands, and forearms
  • Prevents transmitting infection to the patient
  • Prevents transmission of infection to the practitioner
  • Prevents cross-infection among clients

Considerations for Surgical Hand Scrub

  • Remove rings, watches, and bracelets before beginning the scrub
  • Remove debris from under fingernails with a nail cleaner under running water
  • Keep nails short
  • Artificial nails should not be worn

Surgical Hand Scrub Procedure

  • Inspect hands for sores/abrasions: Report to supervisor if needed

  • Gather supplies: Stand in front of the sink avoiding clothing contact

  • Ensure sleeves: Keep sleeves above elbows (minimizes contamination)

  • Remove jewelry: Store in a secure place

  • Adjust water: Warm water is recommended to avoid drying the hands

  • Wet hands and wrists: Keep hands below elbows

  • Apply antimicrobial agent: Use roughly 1 teaspoon of agent

  • Scrub hands: Rub palms, backs, fingers, and wrist areas in circular motions

  • Clean under fingernails: Use the opposite hand's fingernail to clean under fingernails

  • Repeat on other hand: Repeat the entire procedure with the opposite hand and forearm

  • Scrub for 2-5 minutes: Use the same amount of time per hand. Continuous friction motions.

  • Rinse hands: Rinse and allow water to flow from fingertips toward the sink

  • Dry Hands: Dry hands completely, begin with fingers and move toward the forearms. Discard towel and immediately use a clean towel to turn off the water tap. Go to the operative room while keeping the hands above the waist

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Description

This quiz covers the essential procedures and purposes of surgical hand washing, emphasizing its importance in maintaining sterility in the operating room. It includes information on different types of hand washing, the goals of surgical scrubs, and practical considerations for effective hand hygiene.

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