adhesive
Type of surgical drape that is typically made of a thin, clear plastic material that has an adhesive backing and is applied to the skin; the drape may be impregnated with an antimicrobial iodine agent
anticipate
To foresee or prepare for a situation before it occurs, such as the surgical technologist anticipating the surgeon’s needs
antimicrobial
Refers to an agent capable of killing some microorganisms and suppressing the growth of other types of microbes
biohazard
Biologic material, which may be infective, that threatens humans or the environment
catheterization
The use or act of placing a catheter
circumferentially
Circularly, or moving completely around an item, as in the circumferential prep of an extremity
count
Term used to describe the act of counting items used intraoperatively that could potentially be left in a surgical wound
craniotomy
Incision into the cranium
cylindrical
Object with a tubular shape
donning
to put on or dress in
hand wash
The mechanical and chemical washing of the hands to aid in removing transient microorganisms, dirt, and debris
indicator
Tape, paper, vial, or other item used to confirm that a specific reaction has taken place (such as the chemical indicators for steam sterilization)
lap sponge
A type of surgical sponge that is the largest and most absorbent of the sponges
mask
A cover worn over the mouth and nose by surgical personnel to prevent blood and body fluids from splashing into those areas; also protects the patient from the surgical personnel’s secretions
neutral zone
An area designated within the sterile field in which sharps may be safely placed by one person and retrieved by another
pathology
The study of the characteristics, causes, and effects of disease on the human body
PPE
Attire worn to protect against exposure to physical and biological hazards
prep
Preparation, such as the skin prep of the patient
prone
A position in which the patient lies face downward
resident organisms
Microorganisms that live on and within the body and that are beneficial for health; typically refers to bacteria that live below the skin surface in hair follicles and glandular openings; also referred to as normal or resident flora
sedation
State of being calm, usually effected by means of a sedative drug
sterile attire
Sterile gown and gloves donned during a surgical procedure
sterile team members
Member of the surgical team who has performed a surgical scrub, donned the sterile gown and gloves, and works within the sterile field
supine
A position in which the patient lies on his or her back, face upward, with arms usually placed on arm boards with the palms facing up
surgeon’s preference card
A list of the equipment, supplies, and surgical instrument set(s) that a surgeon prefers for each surgical procedure performed; used as a guide in collecting the items to be used for the surgical procedure; most surgery departments now have the cards stored on a computer, eliminating the need for handwritten cards
surgical scrub
A hand and arm wash that is performed prior to donning the sterile gown and gloves; used for the purpose of removing as many microorganisms as possible and for arresting the growth of others; accomplished with the use of chemicals and mechanical action
transient organisms
Organisms that reside on the surface of the skin and are easily removed by hand washing
vital signs
Measurements of bodily functions essential to life, including temperature, pulse, respiration (TPR), and blood pressure
wraparound-style gown
Sterile surgical gown that “wraps” around the individual to enclose the body from the neck to the middle of the lower leg, and is kept in place by ties and Velcro strips
Depillatory
a cream used for hair removal. After the cream has remained on the skin for the prescribed amount of time, it is wiped off and hair is removed. This method is beneficial in that it does not cut the skin.
torsion
a condition of being twisted
apical
relating to or denoting an apex.
when talking about apical pulse, the pulse taken at the apex of the heart
auscultation
Use of the unaided ear or a stethoscope to listen to sounds within the body
perineum
The area between the posterior portion of the vagina or scrotum and the opening to the anus
tachypnea
abnormally rapid breathing.
perfusion
Intentional introduction of drugs and/or fluids into the bloodstream such as during open heart surgery
imperrious
assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering.