Passing gas in the OR

[Lee_Ryan]

Hello,

I will start my clinical practice in the OR soon. I wonder if the members here have any experience about what to do during surgery, if for example, the bowel decides to pass some gas or we need to sneeze/scratch/cough. Also what do we do with glasses? Mine tends to slide when it's hot. I know these are all silly things to ask, but I would really appreciate your insights. Thank you, Ryan.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Going to give the benefit of the doubt and assume this post is for real. Are you going to be in the circulator role or the scrub role? Bodily functions are perfectly normal, although I'm sure the other staff would appreciate if you were able to hold in the gas. Sneezing- well, I've sneezed before and then had to go change my mask. I'm not scrubbed, so that's not an issue. For those who are scrubbed, I've stuffed tissues into their mask for them, I've actually helped someone blow their nose, or if it's really bad, they can ask if someone is available to relieve them for a few minutes. Needing to scratch: well, the coworkers who scrub in my department are pros at using stationary objects in the room to take care of that, much like you see animals and even other people squirming against objects to scratch the itch. Coughing isn't that big of a deal if it's nonproductive- that's one of the reasons masks are required. Glasses: you can always buy a strap that attaches to them and is adjustable so that you can tighten it to prevent them from sliding down.

[offlabel]

Just pretend you're in church...same rules apply.

[Lee_Ryan]

Thanks Rose_Queen & offlabel. Yes this is for real. I will scrub in & stand near the scrub nurse. I will ask my mentor fo sure, but i thought there are more people here to ask from :)

[Mr. & Mrs. RN]

Look for the air outtake vent! Stand by that.