Question

Larry is a CST working in the general surgery unit of an urban OR. He and Dr. Hobart are finishing a case where a known IV drug user suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen. While Larry was counting instruments with the circulator, Dr. Hobart tossed a loaded needed holder back onto the Mayo stand without informing Larry. As he turned around, the bloody needle penetrated Larry's single glove and punctured his skin. Larry immediately reported the needle-stick injury to the circulator, who removed his glove and helped him assess the wound while paging for a replacement CST. After being relieved at the field, Larry washed the wound with soap and water. Because occupational health was dosed at this hour, Larry reported to the emergency department for treatment, and then filed all appropriate reports. What should be done with the needle and the needle holder that have become contaminated by piercing Larry's glove and skin? Should Larry have waited until the end of the case to "break scrub" and wash his hand? What could Larry have done to afford himself extra protection from this needle-stick injury?

Answer 1

1.Needle should be disposed off safely and needle holder should be washed and sterilised for future use.

2. no . Larry should not have waited till the end of surgery

3. double gloving, no touch technique would have provided extra safety. No touch technique in which hands or fingers are not used to adjust or place the needle into needle holder are used rather using mechanical assistance in the form of forceps.