gen is a clinical decision that
must be assessed individual-
ly for each patient.
The current clinical rec-
ommendations are to elimi-
nate open O
2
delivery on the
face and to secure the
patient airway if oxygen sup-
plementation is needed. For
patients that are clinically
judged to need open oxygen
delivery, such as for those
who need to verbally
respond during surgery, set
the concentration at the low-
est amount necessary — no
more than 30% oxygen
enrichment. You're monitor-
ing the patient's oxygenation status with a pulse oximeter, so you'll
know if a patient is desaturating and may need a temporary increase in
the delivered O
2
concentration.
2. Let the prep dry. Flammable alcohol skin preps commonly fuel
fires. The solution must completely dry before you drape the patient.
Otherwise, the drape may get wet and become a fuel source. Most
preps need 3 minutes to dry. It's a good idea to set a timer in the OR to
be certain you've waited long enough. To be certain that the prep has
dried, use sterile gloves to feel the site of the alcohol prep for any tack-
iness. If it's tacky, or sticks to your gloves, that means it's still wet and
alcohol vapors are still present. An important note: If the surgeon
1 0 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 7
• DANGEROUS TRIO Before each surgery, OR staff should conduct
a fire risk assessment, taking into account the "fire triangle" of
heat, fuel and oxidizing agent.
SURGICAL
ERRORS
