3 Surgical Positioning and Specimen Handling Free Online FlashCards

What should the team do before positioning a patient with pre-existing numbness?

Document baseline findings, plan positioning and padding with the team, and protect vulnerable areas before anesthesia.

How can supine arm positioning reduce nerve injury risk?

Support the arms comfortably and avoid excessive shoulder abduction, stretch, rotation, or pressure at the elbow or shoulder.

How can the team help prevent pressure injury during a prolonged operation?

Pad vulnerable pressure points and check that skin, limbs, and devices are free of unintended pressure or entrapment.

Why should padding not be placed indiscriminately?

Use padding appropriately; padding that creates new pressure points can itself cause harm.

What checks are needed after turning an anesthetized patient?

Verify alignment and protection of vulnerable areas, secure lines and airway equipment, and reassess the patient’s status.

Which areas need particular attention in the prone position?

Pay particular attention to the face, eyes, and other vulnerable areas while confirming the final position.

How should tissue specimens from different sites be containerized?

Place each specimen in its own appropriate container so it remains traceable to the correct site.

What information should connect a specimen container to its patient and order?

Use the required patient identifiers and precise source or site on each container, and match the information to the order.

What should happen when the container and requisition list different specimen sides?

Pause and resolve the discrepancy with the responsible clinician before sending the specimen.

Why must conflicting specimen information not be corrected from memory?

Never guess or silently reconcile conflicting information; verify the correct site and correct the record according to facility policy.

What specimen details should the team verify aloud before the patient leaves the operating room?

Verbally confirm the patient’s name, specimen description, and any orienting marks with the team.

What should the team do when a test may require fresh tissue or special transport medium?

Confirm handling requirements with the responsible clinician or laboratory and use the specified container or medium.