10-512-126Surgical Tech Fundamentals 1
Course Information
Description
Focuses on preparing the patient and operating room for surgery. Principles of sterile technique are emphasized as the student moves into the scrub role. Lab practice is included.
Total Credits
4

Course Competencies
  1. Integrate safety controls to prevent or minimize surgical hazards
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, demonstrative or graphic response
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency [Your instructor may require several written exams as a part of this course. You will be notified in advance.]
    Criteria
    you identify environmental hazards
    you identify physical hazards
    you identify chemical hazards
    you identify biological hazards
    you identify electrical hazards
    you choose an appropriate course of action for resolving or minimizing the hazard

  2. Differentiate among methods and techniques of anesthesia
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, demonstrative or graphic response
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency [Your instructor may require several written exams as a part of this course. You will be notified in advance.]
    Criteria
    response identifies routes of administration
    response identifies methods and techniques of anesthesia administration
    response includes patient factors for choice of anesthetic
    response describes general anesthesia
    response identifies anesthesia equipment and patient monitoring devices
    response specifies general anesthetic agents
    response identifies topical, regional and local agents
    response lists blood replacements and interventions
    response describes risks and complications associated with general anesthesia
    response identifies crystalloid IV agents

  3. Establish the sterile field
    Assessment Strategies
    by applying the principles and skills in a role-play
    in an oral, written, demonstrative or graphic response
    by completion of competency on assignments and/or activities
    Criteria
    you are properly attired
    you apply sterile technique in draping the mayo stand
    you place towels on mayo stand following facility practice
    you begin organization of back table and mayo stand by placing instruments and supplies in an efficient pattern
    you work in sections at the table
    you organize items based on order of use (gowns/gloves/drapes) and place similar items together
    you practice economy of time, motion and materials
    you establish a routine(s)
    you maintain sterile field by being aware of items and people moving about the area
    you face your sterile field
    you prioritize sequence of activities
    you utilize good body mechanics in setting up

  4. Perform surgical scrub
    Assessment Strategies
    by performing a surgical scrub in the lab
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency [Your instructor may require several written exams as a part of this course. You will be notified in advance.]
    Criteria
    you perform the medical hand wash
    you prepare for the surgical scrub by checking hand and skin integrity and removing all jewelry
    you are appropriately attired for the surgical scrub
    you discuss various antiseptic agents
    you use the timed method
    you use the counted brush stroke method
    you use the waterless brushless system
    you proceed to the OR keeping hands and arms up and away from the body
    you recognize and correct breaks in technique

  5. Don sterile gown and gloves
    Assessment Strategies
    by applying the principles and skills in a role-play
    in an oral, written, demonstrative or graphic response
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency [Your instructor may require several written exams as a part of this course. You will be notified in advance.]
    Criteria
    you open your gown and gloves on a separate table
    you enter the OR without contamination of self or the sterile field
    you dry hands and arms when applicable
    you gown self
    you don gloves using closed glove technique
    you complete the wrap-around gown process with assistance of an OR team member
    you gown and glove others
    you perform open gloving
    you change a contaminated glove and/or gown when necessary
    you don a sterile sleeve when needed
    you remove gown and gloves adhering to principles of infection control

  6. Demonstrate the procedures for counting instruments, sponges, needles and other items in the field
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, demonstrative and/or graphic response
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency [Your instructor may require several written exams as a part of this course. You will be notified in advance.]
    Criteria
    you count materials in multiple units as they are packaged
    you separate and count different types of sponges
    you separate and count different types of instruments.
    you separate and count different types of sharps.
    you recognize that the surgical count is performed by the RN circulator and the STSR
    you recognize that the count is a permanent part of the surgical record
    you verify number of needles in a pack when a multi-pack is opened for use
    you organize counted items before closing counts
    you perform counts according to facility policy
    you initiate counts at specific times: before the procedure begins, during surgical procedures, and at the end
    you perform counts at appropriate times and in specific sequence: before the procedure begins, during surgical procedures, and at the end following proper technique
    you report the results of the count

  7. Demonstrate urinary catheterization
    Assessment Strategies
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency [Your instructor may require several written exams as a part of this course. You will be notified in advance.]
    in an oral, written, demonstrative or graphic response
    by applying the principles and skills in a role-play
    Criteria
    you assemble appropriate supplies for urinary catherization
    you demonstrate the procedural steps of urinary catherization
    you list the indications for urinary catherization
    you demonstrate principles and skills of sterile technique
    you maintain patient privacy, dignity, and safety

  8. Perform skin preparation for surgical procedure
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, demonstrative or graphic response
    by applying the principles and skills in a role-play
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    you assemble and prepare supplies, equipment and solutions
    you identify prep parameters
    you expose the site to be prepped
    you create sterile field
    you open glove
    you place protective pads/drapes
    you scrub the skin starting at incision site
    you demonstrate the correct sequence of events for a surgical skin prep
    you document the preparation
    you demonstrate principles and skills of sterile technique
    you maintain patient privacy, dignity, and safety

  9. Prepare the operating room
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, demonstrative or graphic response
    by applying the principles and skills in a role-play
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    you are appropriately attired to enter the OR
    you perform the medical handwash
    you use surgeon's preference card to pull needed supplies
    you select appropriate supplies to be opened
    you arrange OR furniture, backtable, mayo stand
    you distribute instruments and supplies to appropriate place
    you place appropriate equipment in the OR
    you apply principles of disinfection as needed

  10. Demonstrate care and utilization of surgical supplies while maintaining aseptic technique
    Assessment Strategies
    by applying the principles and skills in a role-play
    in an oral, written, demonstrative or graphic response
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency [Your instructor may require several written exams as a part of this course. You will be notified in advance.]
    Criteria
    you identify surgical supplies (i.e. sponges, tapes)
    you explain function of the supply
    you prepare supplies for use at the field at appropriate times [i.e. having irrigation ready]
    you prepare and pass the supply
    you demonstrated limited handling of supplies
    you monitor sterility
    you identify breaks in sterile technique

  11. Perform non-sterile duties in the preoperative phase
    Assessment Strategies
    by applying the principles and skills in a role-play
    in an oral, written, demonstrative or graphic response
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency [Your instructor may require several written exams as a part of this course. You will be notified in advance.]
    Criteria
    you read the preference card
    you prepare the operating room
    you perform the initial count
    you transport the patient to the operating room
    you safely transfer the patient to and from the operating table
    you position the patient
    you assist the anesthesia provider
    you prep the patient
    you connect various cords and tubing from sterile field
    you reference patient documentation
    you monitor the sterile field

  12. Perform instrument identification
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, demonstrative or graphic response
    using pictures, instruments, and/or descriptions
    by applying the principles and skills in a role-play
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency [Your instructor may require several written exams as a part of this course. You will be notified in advance.]
    Criteria
    you identify the instruments by name
    you identify the instrument type
    you handle instruments correctly
    you identify the instrument function
    you assemble instruments for use