Ask the holding area nurse to identify the patient, verify his identity with his family, and look at his wristband. The wristband should be examined, the name and unique number on the chart should match, and the patient (or parent/guardian) should be asked to spell the name. This is the best way to verify a patient's identity. The perioperative nurse must still verify the chart, the wristband, and ask the patient to say his name. The holding area nurse may help with patient identification.
Artificial nail use is discouraged by the AORN, CDC, and WHO because it promotes bacterial and fungal colonization of the hands. Even after properly performing a preoperative surgical scrub, perioperative workers with artificial nails still carry Gram-negative bacteria and yeast.
The absence of infection is a highly desirable outcome. Excellent aseptic technique, which includes adequate incision site preparation and draping techniques, helps achieve the desired result of infection freedom. The incidence of infection is not significantly influenced by the anesthetic drug itself.
Microorganisms that are either symbiotic or commensal to the patient's skin, mucous membranes, and hollow viscera make up the normal flora. Infections may be caused by improper aseptic procedures, dirty equipment (such as the overhead lights), and employees coughing, talking, and breathing. The majority of surgical site infections, however, are caused by the patient's own normal flora turning pathogenic.
Droplet, airborne, and touch are the three methods of transmission for bacteria in the OR. The three mechanisms of transmission—sneezing, coughing, talking, and unclean equipment—include body fluids, purulent material, blood, as well as other potential sources of contamination.
Use the "time out" before the surgery to confirm the patient's identity, make sure the right procedure is verbally understood and recorded, mark the right place, and make sure all surgical implants are on hand (if applicable). Additionally, it guarantees that the surgical team is organized and ready for the procedure. The "time out" during surgery is a normal safety procedure that is unrelated to staff breaks. Only when they are relieved by other trained staff members can surgical workers take breaks.
Exogenous causes of infection include those that originate outside the body, such as the environment or hospital staff, and include things like jewelry, artificial nails with cracks, talking, coughing, and breathing, as well as the use of infected surgical equipment and supplies. The skin flora of the patient serves as an endogenous source of infection since it originates from within the body and is constantly present.
