While the CDC doesn't recommend a CHG antiseptic solution over
plain old soap, if you choose to have patients go the extra step, it's
important to provide clear pre-op instructions on how to use the solu-
tion. The Association of Surgical Technologists notes that facilities
should tell all patients 3 important things: that CHG is inactivated by
soaps and shampoos, that CHG is an eye irritant and that the patient
should not use body lotion after bathing.
OSM
F E B R U A R U Y 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 4 5
• Normothermia should be maintained in all patients.
• For patients with normal pulmonary function undergoing
general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, increased frac-
tion of inspired oxygen should be administered during surgery
and immediately after extubation in post-op.
• Blood transfusions should not be withheld from surgical
patients as a means to prevent surgical site infections.
— Kendal Gapinski
