5. True or false: There is no harm in apply-
ing too much prep to the skin.
False. Applying excess amounts of prep can
cause it to pool under the patient. Pooled
solution can cause irritation or give your
patients a chemical burn, according to the
Association of Surgical Technicians
(osmag.net/BWuq7E). The organization rec-
ommends placing sterile towels at the periph-
ery of the skin prep boundaries to aid in the
prevention of pooling prep. Cover ECG leads,
electrosurgical dispersive electrodes and
tourniquets by an adhesive, clear plastic
drape to prevent the accumulation of prep flu-
ids and prevent chemical burns. If prep solu-
tion makes contact with any of those items,
they should be replaced, according to the
Association of Surgical Technicians.
6. True or false: A patient scheduled for sur-
gery should shower the night before the
procedure.
True. Most leading infection prevention
organizations now recommend that patients
take a shower or bath the night before and/or
the morning of surgery using either soap or an
antiseptic solution.
F E B R U A R U Y 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 4 3
ChloraPrep™
is
a
trademark
of
Becton,
Dickinson
and
Company.
Proven
to
resist
all
preps,
including
ChloraPrep
™
XL
Prep
Resistant
Ink
viscotcs@viscot.com
•
800.221.0658
•
www.viscot.com
Get a sample of the
CHG compatible
marker that's
turning
heads
P
