Surgical and Exam Procedures Flashcards

What does the term 'aseptic technique' mean in the context of surgical preparation?

Answer: Preventing introduction of pathogenic microorganisms to the surgical field

Aseptic technique encompasses all practices designed to prevent microbial contamination of the sterile surgical field.

A cat presents for a dental extraction. Which vital sign change during anesthesia would be most concerning?

Answer: SpO2 dropping from 98% to 89%

An SpO2 drop to 89% indicates significant hypoxemia and requires immediate intervention.

Which instrument is used to cut suture during surgery?

Answer: Mayo scissors

Mayo scissors have heavy, blunt blades suited for cutting suture and tough tissue, while Metzenbaum scissors are for delicate dissection.

When is it appropriate to break sterile technique during a surgical procedure?

Answer: Never — sterile technique must be maintained at all times

Sterile technique must never be intentionally broken; any breach requires recognition, correction, and reporting immediately.

Which of the following correctly describes the order of the standard surgical scrub prep using chlorhexidine?

Answer: Scrub, rinse with saline, dry, apply alcohol, apply chlorhexidine solution

The alternating scrub method uses chlorhexidine scrub followed by saline rinse repeated three times, then a final antiseptic solution.

During a post-operative check, you notice the patient's surgical incision has green discharge and a foul odor. What should you do?

Answer: Document and immediately notify the veterinarian

Green, malodorous discharge indicates infection and must be reported to the veterinarian promptly for evaluation and treatment.

What is the primary reason the veterinary assistant must count sponges and instruments before and after surgery?

Answer: To prevent foreign body retention inside the patient

Instrument and sponge counts are a critical safety protocol to ensure nothing is accidentally left inside the patient's body cavity.