Question

Before preparing a client for the first surgical case of the day, a part-time scrub nurse asks the circulating nurse if a 3 minute surgical hand scrub is adequate preparation for this client. Which response should the circulating nurse provide?

Answer 1

The circulating nurse should inform the scrub nurse that a 3-minute surgical hand scrub may not be sufficient. Surgical scrubbing protocols typically require more time and thoroughness to reduce microbiota and prevent infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The circulating nurse should advise the part-time scrub nurse that a 3-minute surgical hand scrub may not be adequate. The goal of surgical scrubbing is to significantly reduce the normal microbiota on the skin's surface to prevent the introduction of these microbes into the patient's surgical wounds, which is more involved than routine handwashing.

According to guidelines, the hand scrub should be performed starting from the fingertips, extending to the hands and forearms, and then up beyond the elbows. The process involves thorough cleansing with antimicrobial soap and water for a recommended duration based on the product's manufacturer instructions and accepted scrubbing protocols, which usually exceed three minutes. The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide extensive scrubbing protocols that are more in-depth than what the general public practices.

Before any surgical procedure, it is also crucial for the surgical team to perform a time out to confirm critical information about the patient and the surgery. This helps ensure patient safety and reduces the risk of preventable errors.