Perioperative Fire Safety Trivia Quiz!

The explanation for the given correct answer is that the fire triangle consists of three essential components: an oxidizing source, an ignition source, and a fuel source. These three components must be present in order for a fire to occur. The oxidizing source provides oxygen, the ignition source provides heat or a spark, and the fuel source provides material that can burn. Without any one of these components, a fire cannot be sustained. Therefore, it is true that the three components of the fire triangle are an oxidizing source, an ignition source, and a fuel source.

The answer is a, b, and c because all of the mentioned options - electrocautery units and active electrosurgical electrodes, fiber-optic light cords, and lasers - are potential sources of ignition. These devices generate heat or produce sparks that can ignite flammable materials in their vicinity. Therefore, all of them should be considered as possible ignition sources.

Oxidizing sources in the operating room include oxygen and nitrous oxide. Oxygen is commonly used in the operating room to support respiration and provide anesthesia. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is another oxidizing source used for anesthesia. Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, is not an oxidizing source in the operating room. Therefore, the correct answer is a and b, which refers to oxygen and nitrous oxide.

Gauze sponges can be considered a fuel source in the operating room because they are made of cotton, which is highly flammable. In the presence of a spark or heat source, gauze sponges can easily catch fire and contribute to the spread of a fire in the operating room. Therefore, it is important to handle and dispose of gauze sponges properly to minimize the risk of fire hazards in the operating room.

The statement that perioperative fire prevention and management plans generally are not needed unless required by a health care facility's insurance policy is false. Perioperative fire prevention and management plans are essential for ensuring the safety of patients and staff during surgical procedures. These plans should be developed by a multidisciplinary group of key stakeholders, describe key content and frequency of fire safety education activities, and specify policies and procedures for fire prevention and response. They are not solely dependent on insurance policy requirements but are necessary for maintaining a safe healthcare environment.

When a laser is used during surgery, it is important to implement fire safety practices to minimize the risk of fire. Keeping wet towels and saline on the sterile field can help in extinguishing any sparks or flames that may occur. Placing moist sterile towels, sponges, and drapes around the surgical site can create a barrier to prevent the spread of fire. Allowing fumes from flammable solutions to dissipate before activating the laser reduces the chance of ignition. Using standard endotracheal tubes for upper airway procedures involving laser is not a fire safety practice and should not be implemented. Therefore, the correct answer is a, b, and d only.

In the event of an airway fire, the perioperative team members should be prepared to assist the anesthesia professional in multiple ways. They should disconnect and remove the anesthesia circuit and turn off the flow of oxygen to prevent the fire from spreading. They should also remove the endotracheal tube from the airway, including any burned fragments, to ensure the patient's safety. Pouring saline or water into the airway can help extinguish the fire. Additionally, they should examine and re-establish the airway to ensure proper breathing and assess the surgical field for any potential secondary fire hazards. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above".

In the event of an operating room fire, the first priority should be to rescue any patients or personnel who are in immediate danger. Once everyone is safe, the next step is to sound the alarm to alert others in the facility. After the alarm has been raised, the fire should be confined or contained as much as possible to prevent it from spreading further. Finally, the evacuation of all patients and personnel should take place to ensure their safety. Therefore, the correct order of steps to take is rescue, alarm, confine/contain, evacuate.

Fire blankets should not be used in the operating room because they are made of wool, which can catch fire in an oxygen-enriched environment. Additionally, they can cause wound contamination or move instruments at the surgical site. Furthermore, fire blankets can trap fire next to or under a patient. Therefore, all of the above reasons make it inappropriate to use fire blankets in the operating room.

The average estimated number of surgical fires every year in the United States is between 200 and 240. This means that on average, there are approximately 200 to 240 cases of surgical fires reported annually in the country. Surgical fires occur when a fire ignites in or around a patient during a surgical procedure, and they can cause serious harm to the patient. It is important for healthcare providers to take precautions to prevent these incidents and ensure patient safety.

The correct answer is "prevent, extinguish, evacuate". These three principles are crucial in ensuring the safety of the operating room in the event of a fire. Prevention involves taking measures to minimize the risk of a fire occurring, such as proper maintenance of equipment and following safety protocols. If a fire does occur, the next step is to extinguish it using the appropriate fire extinguishing methods and equipment. Finally, evacuation is necessary to ensure the safety of all individuals in the operating room, including patients and healthcare professionals.

A carbon dioxide extinguisher is the most appropriate type of fire extinguisher to use on or in a patient. Carbon dioxide extinguishers are safe to use on electrical fires and can effectively extinguish fires without causing harm to the patient. They work by displacing oxygen and suffocating the fire. This type of extinguisher does not leave any residue or cause any damage to equipment or the patient's skin.

The correct answer is to smother the fire with a towel or pour nonflammable liquid on the fire. This is the most appropriate action to take in order to extinguish the fire and prevent further harm to the patient. Using a towel or nonflammable liquid will help to deprive the fire of oxygen and extinguish it safely.

Perioperative registered nurses and scrub personnel have primary control over fuel sources during an operating or other invasive procedure. This means that they are responsible for ensuring that any potential fuel sources, such as flammable materials or gases, are properly managed and minimized in order to prevent the risk of a fire. By effectively controlling fuel sources, these healthcare professionals can contribute to maintaining a safe environment during surgical procedures.