MM pg 15-27 Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is the recommended temperature range for the Operating Room?
68°F–75°F (20°C–24°C)
Purpose: Balance between patient safety (prevent hypothermia) and staff comfort.
What are the anesthetic implications of hypothermia?
Impaired thermoregulation under anesthesia.
What are the risks associated with hypothermia in the OR?
↑ Surgical site infections (SSI), coagulopathy, ↑ intraoperative blood loss, delayed wound healing, ↑ length of stay (LOS) and recovery time.
What is the optimal humidity range for the Operating Room?
20–60% relative humidity.
What are the effects of low humidity in the OR?
Promotes static electricity and increases airborne particle mobility, raising infection risk.
What are the effects of high humidity in the OR?
Damp drapes and materials lead to microbial growth and reduce the barrier integrity of sterile coverings.
What are the primary goals of ventilation systems in the OR?
Minimize microbial contamination at the surgical field and remove anesthetic gases (WAGs).
What is the required air exchange rate for OR ventilation systems?
≥20 air changes per hour (NFPA standard).
What is the minimum particle filtration requirement for OR ventilation?
Minimum 90% particle filtration.
What is the OSHA TWA threshold for noise levels in the OR?
85 dB; hearing protection is advised.
What are the effects of noise pollution on healthcare workers?
↓ Concentration, attention, and decision-making; long-term auditory damage.
What are common sources of ionizing radiation in the OR?
Fluoroscopy, CT, PET/CT, linear accelerators, gamma knife, radiation therapy, intraoperative imaging.
What are the measurement units for absorbed and equivalent doses of radiation?
Absorbed Dose: Gray (Gy), rad; Equivalent Dose: Sievert (Sv), REM.
Which organs are most sensitive to ionizing radiation?
Eyes, gonads, thyroid, fetal tissue, bone marrow & blood.
What does the ALARP principle stand for in radiation safety?
As Low As Reasonably Practicable.
What are the types of electrical shock?
Macroshock (>1 mA) and Microshock (≤100 µA).
What is the purpose of isolation transformers in the OR?
Prevent circuit completion from equipment to ground.
What is the function of a Line Isolation Monitor (LIM)?
Alarms at ≥2 mA leakage to indicate a fault without interrupting power.
What are the risks associated with electrosurgical units (ESUs)?
Burns from current exiting through unintended areas if pad malfunctions.
What is the fire triangle in surgical fires?
Fuel (drapes, alcohol), oxidizer (O₂, N₂O), ignition (laser, ESU).
What are high-risk procedures for surgical fires?
Face, neck, or chest surgeries; open oxygen delivery near cautery/laser.
What are the core principles of Crew Resource Management (CRM)?
Situational Awareness, Communication, Leadership & Role Clarity, Mutual Respect, Decision-Making, Teamwork, Debriefing/Feedback.
