Sample interview questions: Discuss your knowledge of surgical instrument care and maintenance.
Sample answer:
Knowledge of surgical instrument care and maintenance is crucial for an Operating Room (OR) Nurse as it directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of surgical procedures. Maintaining surgical instruments involves various steps to ensure their longevity, functionality, and sterility.
Firstly, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the different types of surgical instruments used in the OR. This knowledge allows an OR nurse to identify, handle, and care for each instrument properly. Instruments can be categorized into cutting and dissecting instruments (e.g., scalpels, forceps), grasping and holding instruments (e.g., retractors, clamps), and specialized instruments (e.g., electrosurgical devices).
Proper care starts with thorough cleaning and decontamination of instruments after each use. The OR nurse must be well-versed in the proper techniques for manual and automated cleaning, as well as knowledge of detergents, enzymatic solutions, and ultrasonic cleaners. Additionally, understanding the importance of pre-soaking heavily soiled instruments and removing organic debris is vital.
After cleaning, the instruments should be inspected for any damage or malfunction. The OR nurse should be skilled in recognizing issues such as bent or loose parts, dullness, or corrosion. Damaged instruments should be promptly removed from circulation and sent for repair or replacement to prevent potential harm to patients or surgical staff.
Proper storage of surgical instruments is another crucial aspect of maintenance. Instruments should be organized in a way that prevents damage and allows for easy identification and retrieval. The nurse should be familiar with various storage options, such as sterilization trays, instrument cassettes, and designated storage cabinets. Implementing a system to track instrument usage, sterilization cycles, and expiration dates is beneficial in maintaining an eff… Read full answer
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