Rad T 216 Adler/Carlton Ch 17 and 19 Aseptic Techniques Medical Emergencies

Aseptic Technique The purpose of aseptic technique is to reduce the number of microorganisms. –Surgical asepsis – protection against infection before, during, and after a procedure using sterile technique. –Medical asepsis – removal or destruction of infected material

Radiology Procedures Requiring Sterile Technique Angiography Arthrography Hysterosalpingography Surgical procedures

Sterile Field A microorganism free area that can receive sterile supplies –Sterile drape –Sterile packages –Surgical scrub This will be dependent on the facility which exams require surgical scrub –Numbered stroke –Timed scrub –Sterile gowning Follows sterile scrubbing

Basic Principles of Sterile Technique Only sterile items in sterile fields If you doubt the sterility considered it un-sterile Create the field when ready not long before Below the table or waist is considered un-sterile Gowns are sterile on the sleeves and front from the waist up Un-sterile personnel cannot reach over or above a sterile field Sterile materials must be kept dry

Surgical Radiography Sterile Corridor –The area between the patient drape and instrument table

What is an emergency? Sudden change in medical status that requires immediate attention

General Priorities Ensure an open airway Control bleeding Take measures to prevent or treat shock Attend to wounds or fractures Provide emotional support Continually re-evaluate Know the location of the nearest crash/emergency cart

Head Injuries Level of Consciousness –Any patient who has suffered a head injury needs to be constantly monitored for changes to their level of consciousness

Types of Shock Hypovolemic –Loss of blood or tissue fluid Cardiogenic –Due to any number of cardiac problems Neurogenic –Spinal anesthesia or upper spinal cord trauma Vasogenic –Sepsis, deep anesthesia, or anaphylaxis

Signs and Symptoms of Shock Restlessness, Apprehension or general anxiety Tachycardia Decreasing blood pressure Cold and/or clammy skin Pallor

Contrast Media Reactions Anaphylactic or vasogenic shock Ranges from mild to severe –Impossible to accurately predict Generally, the longer it takes to develop the less severe If you suspect a reaction don’t hesitate call for help

Diabetic Crises Hypogylcemia –Excessive insulin Confusion, irritablility, Patient needs carbohydrates Hypergylcemia –Excessive sugar in the blood Takes time to develop Excessive thirst and urination Can lead to diabetic coma

Respiratory Distress/Arrest Asthma –Stress may trigger an attack Allow the patient self-medicate, get them is a sitting position Choking –Heimlich maneuver

Cardiac Arrest ABCs Remember, the first step is to call for help before beginning CPR

CVA Sudden or protracted onset –Slurred speech, dizziness, confusion, loss or blurred vision

Minor Medical Emergencies Nausea and vomiting –Maintain airway, patient on side Epistaxis –Lean forward and pinch the nose Vertigo and syncope –Recumbent, loosen clothing Seizures –Protect the patient from falling

Wounds Hemorrhage –Notice dressings, saturated dressings should not be removed, a new one should be applied over the existing one –Extremity- if possible put the extremity above the level of the heart Burns –Maintain sterile precautions Dehiscence –Sutures separate