Tag: Hospital protocols

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), using a razor to shave the surgical site prior to a procedure can increase the risk of a surgical site infection. So, **what if I shaved before surgery**? The simple answer is that you may have unintentionally raised your risk of postoperative complications, and it is crucial to inform your medical team immediately.

According to studies, patient-related factors are a major cause of surgical cancellation, emphasizing the critical importance of a pre-operative evaluation. An anesthesiologist's core responsibility is patient safety, and a decision to cancel surgery is never taken lightly, stemming from a professional assessment of potential risks and complications.

According to evidence-based practice, complications like phlebitis are among the most common adverse events in IV therapy, making prompt and correct nursing action essential. So, **what should the nurse do if they notice signs of phlebitis at the IV site?**

Studies have shown that self-shaving with a razor before an operation can significantly increase the risk of surgical site infections due to microscopic skin cuts. So, **should I shave prior to surgery**? The simple answer, according to medical experts, is almost always no.

According to a study published in the *Journal of the American Medical Association*, overlapping surgery is a relatively common practice in many hospitals. This practice raises important questions, especially: can doctors do two surgeries at the same time? The nuanced answer explores the difference between overlapping and concurrent procedures, hospital policies, and patient safety.

According to surgical guidelines from leading medical associations like the American Society of Anesthesiologists, patients must remove all personal items, including headwear, before entering the operating room. This ensures a sterile field and reduces infection risk, leaving many to wonder, "Can you wear anything on your head during surgery?"

According to the Emergency Severity Index (ESI), a Level 1 patient requires immediate, life-saving intervention. This classification is a critical component of triage systems used in emergency departments and hospital settings to prioritize care for the most severely ill or injured individuals, ensuring they receive urgent attention without delay.

According to standardized guidelines from organizations like the American Hospital Association, hospitals use specific terminology to describe a patient's condition to the public. Understanding these medical terms is vital, particularly the distinction between a 'serious' and 'critical' condition. So, what is the difference between serious and critical?

Surgical scrubs worn in the operating room are highly regulated personal protective equipment, not personal clothing. This means the vast majority of hospitals have strict policies preventing surgeons and other OR staff from taking their scrubs home.

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities follow stringent protocols to ensure every piece of medical equipment is safe for use. A key aspect of this is how hospitals clean thermometers, a process designed to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of healthcare-associated infections.