This profession requires special knowledge and skills. The operating room nurse must work in such a way as to ensure the safety of the patient during surgery. And this includes the cleanliness of the environment, the sterility of the instruments, the clothing of the members of the operating team, and, of course, professional assistance during operations. This is the key worker on whom infection safety in the operating unit depends.
During the performance of their professional duties, operating room nurses may also be exposed to the risk of infection. What should operating room nurses do to maintain their health:
1. Be vaccinated against viral hepatitis B (three times), against diphtheria and tetanus every 10 years, against coronavirus (2 main doses and 2 boosters)
2. In the event of an "emergency" situation in unvaccinated persons against viral hepatitis B (violation of the integrity of the skin or mucous membranes during contact with an infected patient) - emergency vaccination against viral hepatitis B according to the scheme 0=7=21 days - 12 months
, consultation of an infectious disease doctor regarding the need for prophylactic use of anti-HIV drugs. The first thing after an "emergency" situation:
Recommended:
✔ wash the injured area with running water and soap.
✔ wash the nose, mouth or skin with running water (in case of contamination)
✔ wash the eyes with clean water, physiological solution or special sterile solutions.
Not recommended:
✔ squeezing or rubbing the injury site
✔ squeezing or sucking blood from the wound
✔ use of a solution of ethyl alcohol, iodine, hydrogen peroxide
✔ apply a bandage
✔ remove contact lenses when washing the eyes
It should be noted that in the case of biological fluid getting on the mucous membranes, the risk of transmission is reduced several times, so primary treatment is sufficient.
3. Strict execution of manipulations according to the developed standards of operational procedures!
FOR ALL NURSES AND BROTHERS, WE REMINDER THAT THE
● strictly adhere to hand hygiene practices
When to wash hands with soap and water?
✔ before and after the end of the work shift
✔ before eating
✔ after visiting the toilet
✔ when the hands are visibly dirty, including with blood or other biological fluids;
When to treat hands with an antiseptic?
✔ before/after contact with the patient;
✔ before the procedure with sterile material;
✔ after probable contact with biological fluids/objects of the external environment, the patient's environment
Importantly!
✔ an antiseptic recommended for use must contain either 75% isopropanol by volume or 80% ethanol by volume
● use medical gloves
When to use non-sterile (examination) gloves?
✔ probable direct contact with blood/other biological fluids, secretions
✔ risk of contact with mucous membranes, damaged skin
✔ risk of contact with infected material, equipment, surfaces
When to use sterile gloves?
✔ any surgical and invasive radiological procedures
✔ childbirth
✔ in the case of access to and manipulation of blood vessels (central line)
✔ preparation of preparations for parenteral nutrition and chemotherapeutic agents
Importantly!
✔ always use one pair of gloves for one patient and/or one procedure at a time
✔ it is forbidden to wash or treat gloves with an antiseptic for the purpose of reuse
✔ the use of medical gloves does not create absolute protection and does not exclude compliance with the technique of handling hands, which is used in each case immediately after removing the gloves!
✔ when performing procedures where the risk of contact with blood is high, it is recommended to use a double layer of gloves!
● observe the safety of injections
✔ provide a safe sequence of manipulations before, during and after the use of sharp devices and their disposal
✔ avoid needle recaps and place needles or other sharps in puncture-resistant Category B medical waste containers
✔ if possible, use needles with safety systems
The result of her work depends on the safety of the nurse's work, and therefore the quality of medical care!
We work to keep you healthy!
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