The edge of the ground drape is folded before squaring off the incision. What is the rationale behind this procedure?

Draping

a. is neater
b. allows better purchase of the drape by the towel clamp
c. provides a double layer of protection against strike through
d. protects the incision from hypothermia

c. provides a double layer of protection against strike through

When a Mayo stand is placed over the surgical site, it is covered by a pillow case shaped drape. What is the rationale behind this procedure?

Mayo Stand

a. protects against contamination from the underside of the Mayo stand
b. provides better protection against strike through
c. provides a better surface for instruments and surgical supplies
d. is neater because there are no drapes hanging from the edges

a. protects against contamination from the underside of the Mayo stand

Why is all of the cuff covered when gloves are put on?

Gloving

a. protects against contamination from the underside of the Mayo stand
b. protects the glove covering the lower arm from developing holes
c. keeps the free edge of the glove from rolling up exposing the wrist
d. the cuff of the gown is not an effective barrier to microorganisms and must be covere

d. the cuff of the gown is not an effective barrier to microorganisms and must be covere

Which of the antiseptic which best fits the description.

A. Chlorhexidine
B. Povidone iodine
C. Alcohol 

 

Longest residual action

A. Chlorhexidine 

Fastest and highest initial kill rate

C. Alcohol 

Inactivated by organic material

B. Povidone iodine

Toxic if applied to an open wound

Temporarily turns the skin orange-yellow

B. Povidone iodine

Which antiseptic scrub to use to prepare a surgical site?

Both chlorhexidine and iodophors are acceptable scrub agents.  Chlorhexidine is preferred over the iodophors by many because of its longer persistent and residual action, retained activity in the presence of organic material, and decreased skin reactions.  The sporocidal activity of the iodophors is a potential advantage, but contact times seldom seldom reach the 15 minutes  required for this benefit.  Despite the theoretical advantages of chlorhexidine, no difference in surgical infection rates has been measured between the 2 agents.  Alcohol is not a scrub solution but is commonly used as the final preparation agent as it speeds drying of the area and is also a rapid and effective antiseptic.