chloroprep.. good after sponge touches something else?

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Aug 3, 2012

I don't need to read the instructions....if you are trying to cut the risk of infection, having it touch anything other than the patient would be, and reason to throw it away. I would pray for this residents patients. Watch his career go down the tubes when he gets sued and not paid for infections. AND....follow , my facilities policy for reporting for incompetent residents.

On a side note....I'd accidentally bring the subject up in front of his attending.

You did the right thing, and besides...... who cares what the resident says.

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Aug 3, 2012

I was preparing to prep a patient for surgery today and the surgical resident touched the sponge with his nasty scrub shirt that probably has mrsa all over it before I prepped so i threw the sponge away and got a new one. The directions clearly say do not touch sponge but he gave me a hard time for it saying my decision made no sense. Well I disagree but I want to know what other or nurses think. Thanks for any feedback!

I agree with your good decision to get another CHG prep sponge. Would the resident like you to use that product on him if he was on the surgery table. Clearly, a few bucks for a new sterile CHG sponge is far cheaper than the price of a infection. We have to do everything with best practice in mind since even with best practice infections can still happen so we need not add to the risk. You did GREAT. :yeah:

CIRQL8 · Aug 3, 2012

You did right! That resident is either ignorant or an imbecile.

Sent from my iPad (so excuse any typos and autocorrects!!) using allnurses.com

lockheart678 · Aug 3, 2012

I wouldn't take the chance and I'd have done exactly what you did. If he doesn't like it, he can get over it. You're there to advocate for that patient and that's exactly what you did. Plus, residents don't know everything, even though so many of them think they do. If he keeps up that kind of attitude, you should talk to his attending.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Aug 3, 2012

I would have done the same thing. What year was this resident? Did he have a junior resident with him or was there a med student with him? Sometimes residents like to show off when there is an audience.

The next time you are working with this resident, make sure you page the attending about 10 minutes before you start prepping. Wait till s/he gets into the room before you prep. Stall if you have to-this is key. Then when both the resident and the attending are in the room, begin prepping. Joke around with the resident and say, "Maybe I can just use ONE prep stick if you stay back this time!" The resident will probably ignore you, but the attending might ask what you mean. Then you can say that Jr.'s scrub shirt touched the prep stick last time and he said that you were being ridiculous for throwing it out and getting a new one.

Then we'll see what the attending has to say. I bet he will have a private lecture with the resident!

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Aug 4, 2012

You did the right thing. Just shows what residents are not taught.

HollywoodDiva · Aug 5, 2012

Right decision and like you've heard before "when in doubt throw it out". NEVER let a resident let you doubt your decision, you have been in the OR longer and they are still learning. Remember that we are teaching them as well and never allow anyone to sway your surgical conscience from the norm.

ShannonRN2010, BSN, RN · Aug 6, 2012

I would have done the same thing!!