(AORN) Flashcards

Debridement of wounds:

Answer: Removes dead tissue from a wound

Debridement is a critical step in wound care that involves the removal of necrotic (dead) tissue, foreign material, and exudate from a wound bed. This process is essential because dead tissue can harbor bacteria, impede granulation tissue formation, and delay wound healing. By removing devitalized tissue, debridement promotes a clean wound environment conducive to healthy tissue growth and closure.

Prolonged prone stance has the following risks:

Answer: Eye injury including temporary or permanent blindness

In the prone position, especially during prolonged surgeries, the eyes are vulnerable to direct pressure, which can compromise ocular blood flow. This sustained pressure can lead to ischemic optic neuropathy, resulting in temporary or permanent vision loss or even blindness. Careful positioning, frequent checks, and appropriate head support are crucial to prevent this severe complication.

In a continuous suture, which stitches are tied?

Answer: The first and last stitch

A continuous suture involves a single strand of suture material that is run along the length of the wound without being tied off after each stitch. To secure the entire suture line, only the very first stitch is tied to anchor the suture, and then the final stitch at the end of the run is tied to complete the closure. This method provides a quick and efficient way to approximate tissues.

The patient's nurse informed her that she should remain in bed following her needle liver biopsy. The patient questioned why she was required to remain in bed after the surgery. What is the patient to be taught by the nurse?

Answer: There is a high risk of bleeding post biopsy due to liver vascularity.

The liver is a highly vascular organ, meaning it has a rich blood supply. A needle liver biopsy involves puncturing the liver, which carries a significant risk of bleeding or hemorrhage from the biopsy site. Therefore, post-procedure bed rest, often in a right lateral position, is crucial to apply pressure to the biopsy site and minimize the risk of bleeding complications by allowing the puncture site to seal.

Which of the following acts as warfarin's (Coumadin) counterbalance?

Answer: Vitamin K

Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant that works by interfering with the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. Therefore, Vitamin K acts as its direct antidote or counterbalance. Administering Vitamin K can reverse the anticoagulant effects of warfarin by promoting the production of these clotting factors, which is crucial in cases of excessive bleeding or overdose.

To determine the arterial blood flow to the hands during an evaluation, what test is used?

Answer: Allens Test

The Allen's Test is a clinical assessment used to evaluate the patency of the radial and ulnar arteries, which supply blood to the hand. It is performed before procedures that might compromise one of these arteries, such as arterial blood gas sampling or radial artery cannulation. The test helps ensure that there is adequate collateral circulation to the hand from the other artery if one is occluded.

What is the process of repositioning the bladder flap peritoneum to the posterior cul-de-sac peritoneum known as?

Answer: reperitonealization

Reperitonealization is a surgical technique, often performed during gynecological procedures like hysterectomy, where the peritoneum (the membrane lining the abdominal cavity) is reapproximated or repositioned. Specifically, repositioning the bladder flap peritoneum to the posterior cul-de-sac peritoneum aims to cover raw surfaces, prevent adhesions, and restore anatomical integrity. This helps to minimize potential complications and promote healing.