ST170 Operating Room Principles I (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): A grade of C (2.0) or better in ST115 
This course introduces the core principles of aseptic technique, sterilization and disinfection, the reprocessing of surgical instruments and supplies. Each student learns to perform a surgical scrub, don gowns and gloves, change gowns and gloves when contamination occurs, and gown and glove others. Patient transportation and patient positioning are demonstrated and practiced. Preparation of the patient for surgical procedures is covered including urinary catheterization and skin preparation. The course also includes the principles of draping a patient and setting up a back table and mayo stand. Basic instrumentation, sutures and surgical needles are covered. Related topics addressed are the methods of achieving hemostasis, care and handling of specimens, the appropriate response to emergencies resulting from blood volume emergencies, respiratory emergencies, cardiac emergencies, malignant hyperthermia, anaphylactic allergic reactions, and seizures.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe how infection control practices are implemented in the surgical setting to ensure safe patient care
2. Identify the basic principles of aseptic technique
3. Describe the various means used to disinfect, sterilize and monitor surgical instruments and supplies for use in the OR
4. Demonstrate the correct method of scrubbing, gowning, and gloving self and other members of the surgical team
5. Demonstrate the proper methods to transfer and safely position the patient
6. Describe and demonstrate the preparation of a sterile surgical field, including the proper technique to maintain sterility when receiving or removing equipment and supplies from the field.
7. Describe the purpose and use of surgical drapes and demonstrate proper draping techniques for surgical equipment and the surgical patient for a variety of surgical procedures.
8. Correctly prepare and handle surgical supplies.
9. Identify basic surgical instruments by type, function and name and demonstrate the proper care, safe handling and assembly of surgical instruments.  Classifications include cutting, grasping, clamping, retracting, probing, suturing, scoping, dilating, and dissecting.
10. Identify suture materials and demonstrate proper preparation and handling techniques.
11. Demonstrate correct handling of needles and syringes.
12. Describe common means of establishing hemostasis.
13. Demonstrate the proper care of handling of specimens.
14. Describe the role of surgical technologist in responding to life-threatening emergencies in the operating room.