Summary
Highlights
The video introduces Christina Gabriel, a student nurse, who will demonstrate surgical handwashing, gowning, and closed gloving. Surgical handwashing aims to remove microorganisms, dirt, and oil from nails, hands, and forearms. Before entering the operating room, one must wear a cap, mask, eye mask or goggles, and shoe covers. All wristwear must be removed, as it harbors microorganisms. Nails should be clean, short, and healthy, and hands and forearms free from abrasions or cuts. The gown and gloves should be opened with assistance using aseptic technique.
The water is turned on, and hands are rinsed, keeping them elevated to allow water to run down, removing bacteria and oils. A scrub brush is used to clean under the nails thoroughly. The hands, wrists, and forearms are then scrubbed meticulously with a circular motion, moving from fingertips to above the elbow. After scrubbing, hands are rinsed again, keeping them elevated to maintain sterility and flush away bacteria. The hands are then dried with a sterile towel, starting from the hands and moving down to the elbows.
After surgical handwashing, hands are kept elevated. The gowning procedure begins by stepping away from the table and allowing the sterile gown to fall open. The neckband is located, and the outside of the gown, which is sterile, is not touched. Arms are simultaneously inserted into the gown, ensuring hands remain inside the gown cuffs. A circulator nurse assists in tying the gown at the neck and waist from behind.
The closed gloving procedure starts with the dominant hand, still inside the gown cuff, picking up the glove for the non-dominant hand by grasping the folded cuff. The glove is placed in the palm of the non-dominant hand. The dominant hand then pulls the glove back, putting the non-dominant hand inside the glove and cuff of the gown simultaneously. The same process is repeated for the other hand. It's crucial to ensure fingers are fully extended in both gloves and that gloves are not too tight. Finally, the circulator nurse secures the sterile gown by releasing the ties at the front and ensuring the gown is snug.
Once handwashing, gowning, and closed gloving are complete, the individual is ready for the operating room. It is essential to keep hands above the waist, as anything below the waist is considered unsterile. Hands can be clasped together to avoid touching non-sterile surfaces and maintain sterility.