Tech in Surgery Prep / Unit 22 TSC 545 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Assisting During Bleeding
The idea
When bleeding increases, the scrub person's job is to give the surgeon what is needed to control it, quickly and in order.
In practice
Follow the likely sequence. First, suction and sponges to see where the blood is coming from. Second, clamps ready to grasp the bleeding vessel. Third, ties or suture ligatures, or the electrosurgical pencil, to close the vessel. Fourth, more sponges and laparotomy pads for pressure or packing. Fifth, the circulating nurse alerted, so extra supplies and help can come, while the anesthesia provider manages fluids or blood products. Throughout, every sponge going into the wound is tracked.
Where people slip
Heavy bleeding is when counts are most likely to go wrong. Speak each sponge placed in the wound aloud if your team does so, and keep the tally current, because a sponge left behind can be lost in the blood.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Tech in Surgery Prep