head end. He is to move at a safe pace, being careful not to bump anything or anyone,
not to turn corners sharply or otherwise disturb or frighten the patient. When entering
the elevator the patient is wheeled in headfirst. The specialist must not smoke while
wheeling the patient.
g. Arrival at the Surgical Suite. Upon arrival at the surgical suite, the
specialist should report to the anesthesia department and to the OR supervisor or the
NCOIC; in addition, as stated above, he should draw a diagonal mark across the
patient's nursing unit number on the OR schedule. The specialist remains with the
patient (unless he is properly relieved) until the patient is to be transferred onto the
operating table. The specialist is then to assist in transferring the patient to the table.
h. Care of the Patient Awaiting Surgery. The patient may be brought to the
surgical suite before the scheduled time for his operation, necessitating a wait
somewhere outside the OR in which his surgery will be performed. It is important that
the patient remains relaxed and comfortable during his wait, since a favorable
environment at this time contributes much to a smoothly conducted, successful
operation. Therefore, the OR specialist should place the patient's litter away from
glaring overhead lights, into a dimly lit area. The specialist, as well as all of the
personnel in the surgical suite, should cooperate in maintaining a quiet atmosphere,
because the patient is especially sensitive to noise at this time. Loud talking, laughing,
discussion of operative procedures within his hearing, or other inappropriate behavior
can frighten the patient and destroy his confidence in the surgical team. In addition to
making the patient's environment as calm and serene as possible, the specialist may
make the patient more comfortable by placing a pillow under his head and by allowing
him to turn on his side; however, first the specialist must ensure that these measures
are not contraindicated (made inadvisable).
i. Transferring the Patient to the Operating Table. The patient may be
transferred to the table either inside or outside the OR. In either case, the sheet
coverings on the patient are loosened while the patient is outside the OR in order to
hold to a minimum the fanning of the covers, with their microbial population, in the OR.
The patient is transferred with the cover sheet over him.
(1) Outside the operating room. When the patient is transferred outside the
OR, the operating table is brought out to the litter. After the patient is transferred, the
table is wheeled back into the OR and the wheels of the table are locked.
(2) Inside the operating room. When the patient is placed on the table
inside the OR, the litter is wheeled into the OR and placed alongside the table. After the
patient is transferred, the litter is wheeled from the room.
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