Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Infection Control and Safety Flashcards

An Orthopaedic Technologist is removing a K-wire from a patient's finger in the clinic. After the wire is removed, what is the MOST appropriate immediate action for disposing of the contaminated wire?

Answer: Place it directly into a designated, puncture-resistant sharps container.

Contaminated K-wires, needles, and scalpel blades are considered sharps and pose a risk for percutaneous injury. They must be disposed of immediately in a designated, puncture-resistant, appropriately labeled sharps container to prevent injury and transmission of bloodborne pathogens.

Which of the following methods is required to achieve surgical sterilization of instruments, such as pin cutters, that will be used in an invasive procedure?

Answer: Processing in an autoclave using steam under pressure.

Sterilization is the process of eliminating all microorganisms, including bacterial spores. An autoclave, which uses steam under high pressure and temperature, is the standard and most reliable method for sterilizing surgical instruments. High-level disinfection kills most microorganisms but not necessarily all bacterial spores, making it insufficient for invasive surgical instruments.

An Orthopaedic Technologist is checking a patient's external fixator. Which of the following signs at a pin site is the MOST definitive indicator of a localized infection requiring medical attention?

Answer: Purulent drainage (pus) from the site.

While some redness, tenderness, and clear drainage can be part of the normal inflammatory response, the presence of purulent drainage (pus) is a classic and definitive sign of a bacterial infection that requires medical evaluation and likely treatment with antibiotics.

While setting up a sterile field for a joint aspiration, the technologist notices a small tear in the outer wrapper of a sterile gauze package. What is the correct course of action?

Answer: Discard the entire package and obtain a new, intact one.

The integrity of the packaging is essential for maintaining sterility. Any tear, puncture, or water damage compromises the sterile barrier, and the item must be considered contaminated. The only safe action is to discard the compromised package and obtain a new one.

According to the principles of Standard Precautions, when should an Orthopaedic Technologist wear gloves?

Answer: When anticipating contact with any blood, body fluids, or non-intact skin.

Standard Precautions are based on the principle that all blood, body fluids (except sweat), non-intact skin, and mucous membranes from all patients are potentially infectious. Therefore, gloves must be worn whenever there is a potential for contact with these substances, not just when contamination is visible.

Which of the following describes the safest technique for an Orthopaedic Technologist to use when removing a cast with an oscillating cast saw?

Answer: Using a firm, in-and-out or "plunging" motion through the cast material.

A cast saw blade oscillates (vibrates back and forth) rather than spins. The correct and safest technique is to use a firm, plunging motion, pushing the blade through the cast material and then lifting it out before moving to the next adjacent spot. This method prevents the blade from dragging along the skin, which can cause friction burns or lacerations.