Surgical Safety: Principles and Practices for Patient Protection

Question 1

How does surgical draping help prevent surgical site infections in orthopedic surgeries?

Accepted Answer

Creates a sterile field around the surgical site, preventing contamination.

Answer

Absorbs fluids and blood, keeping the surgical field dry and visible.

Answer

Provides warmth to the patient, reducing the risk of hypothermia and infection.

Question 2

If a surgical instrument is accidentally dropped during an operation, what is the most appropriate action to take?

Accepted Answer

Notify the team immediately and retrieve the instrument

Answer

Ignore it and continue the procedure as planned

Answer

Wait for the instrument to be sterilized before retrieving it

Answer

Leave the instrument in place and complete the procedure without it

Question 3

The primary purpose of a sponge count during surgery is to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure that all sponges are accounted for and removed from the surgical site

Answer

Estimate the amount of blood loss

Answer

Monitor the number of instruments used

Answer

Sterilize surgical instruments

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the surgical scrub nurse?

Accepted Answer

Suturing the incision

Answer

Maintaining sterility of the surgical field

Answer

Passing instruments to the surgeon

Answer

Counting sponges and instruments

Question 5

What is the proper way to transfer a sharp surgical instrument to the surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Pass it handle-first to the surgeon

Answer

Pass it tip-first to the surgeon

Answer

Lay it on the sterile table

Answer

Place it in a sharps container

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a primary consideration when positioning a patient for surgery?

Accepted Answer

Creating a sterile surgical field

Answer

Preventing pressure injuries

Answer

Ensuring surgical access to the incision site

Answer

Patient safety and comfort

Question 7

What type of drape is specifically designed to create a sterile surgical field and prevent contamination of the surgical site?

Accepted Answer

Impervious drape

Answer

Reusable drape

Answer

Permeable drape

Answer

Disposable drape

Question 8

Which surgical instrument is primarily used for grasping and manipulating delicate tissues?

Accepted Answer

Forceps

Answer

Scalpel

Answer

Scissors

Answer

Needle driver

Question 9

What is the primary objective of using a surgical safety checklist in the operating room?

Accepted Answer

To identify potential risks and prevent errors

Answer

To improve communication among team members

Answer

To document surgical procedures

Answer

To track surgical progress

Question 10

Leaving sharp instruments near the surgical field during a procedure is considered:

Accepted Answer

Negligence

Answer

Acceptable practice

Question 11

In the United Kingdom, which of the following is a legal requirement for all surgical procedures?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent from the patient

Answer

Intraoperative monitoring

Answer

Surgical safety checklist

Answer

Postoperative follow-up

Question 12

Is it sufficient to rely solely on preoperative checklists to ensure patient safety during surgery?

Accepted Answer

No

Answer

Yes

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of surgical safety?

Accepted Answer

Anesthesia

Answer

Patient positioning

Answer

Draping

Answer

Instrument handling

Question 14

Which of the following instruments is used for grasping and manipulating tissue?

Accepted Answer

Hemostat

Answer

Scalpel

Answer

Retractor

Answer

Suture needle

Question 15

What is the recommended method for passing instruments during surgery?

Accepted Answer

Using a mayo stand or sterile table

Answer

Directly from hand to hand

Answer

Placing the instruments on the patient's body

Answer

Tossing the instruments over the surgical field

Question 16

The overarching goal of surgical safety is to:

Accepted Answer

Minimize risks to the patient

Answer

Maximize surgeon efficiency

Answer

Reduce the cost of surgery

Answer

Enhance the reputation of the hospital

Question 17

A crucial element of surgical draping involves:

Accepted Answer

Creating a sterile surgical field

Answer

Preventing fluid loss

Question 18

When passing instruments during surgery, it is essential to:

Accepted Answer

Verbalize the instrument's name and intended use

Answer

Wait for the surgeon to request the instrument

Answer

Pass the instrument directly to the surgeon without communication

Question 19

Inadequate surgical lighting can potentially lead to:

Accepted Answer

Overlooked anatomical structures

Answer

Reduced patient satisfaction

Answer

Prolonged surgical duration

Question 20

To prevent electrical burns during electrosurgical unit (ESU) use in surgery, adherence to safety precautions is crucial, primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent electrical burns

Answer

Avoid mechanical injuries

Answer

Minimize anesthetic explosions

Question 21

A recommended measure to minimize the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) is:

Accepted Answer

Administering antibiotics prior to surgery

Answer

Using non-sterile surgical instruments

Answer

Leaving the surgical site uncovered

Question 22

The primary objective of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist is to:

Accepted Answer

Enhance communication and coordination among surgical team members

Answer

Establish standardized surgical techniques for all procedures

Question 23

In a comprehensive surgical safety program, which element is NOT typically included?

Accepted Answer

Disregarding patient feedback

Answer

Clear safety protocols

Answer

Regular training for staff

Question 24

The ultimate responsibility for ensuring surgical safety rests with:

Accepted Answer

The entire surgical team

Answer

The hospital administration

Answer

The patient

Answer

The operating surgeon