Question

An OR Manager notices a circulating nurse removing her jacket to perform the surgical skin prep for them patient. The manager requests that the circulator put the jacket back on and snap it closed to prepare the patient's skin. This request is made because:

A To prevent contamination of the prep area by the circulator caused by shedding
B Normally, bare arms would be okay but today there is a wound on the circulator's arm
C The circulator wore the scrub shirt and pants to a meeting prior to the case and so should be covered to return to patient care
D The room the circulator was assigned was cold

Answer 1

The OR Manager asked the circulating nurse to wear her jacket to maintain a sterile environment and reduce the risk of contamination during the surgical skin prep.

Step-by-step explanation:

Why the OR Manager Requested the Circulating Nurse to Wear her Jacket

The request for the circulating nurse to put her jacket back on and snap it closed before performing the surgical skin prep is based on maintaining sterile field and reducing the risk of contamination. In a surgical environment, all personnel must adhere to aseptic technique to prevent the introduction of microorganisms into the surgical wound, which could lead to infection or sepsis. Even though the surgical attire, like gloves, provides a barrier, the reduction of microbes on the skin through proper clothing is an additional preventive measure. The circulating nurse may have been exposed to contaminants when outside the operating room, especially if they recently attended a meeting wearing the same scrub shirt and pants. Thus, covering with a jacket reduces the likelihood of shed skin cells or other potential contaminants compromising the sterile environment.

Personal protective clothing is essential for all healthcare workers involved in patient care, particularly in infection zones or during invasive medical procedures. Covering the arms, skin, or other exposed areas is a critical part of these protocols. Adherence to strict guidelines and the use of protective clothing minimizes the risk of transmitting infections to patients.