Essay Questions – Perioperative Studies
A. Prevention of Nosocomial (Hospital-Acquired) Infections
1. 1. Discuss the key strategies used in the prevention of nosocomial infections within the
surgical theatre. In your answer, include examples of common infections and the roles
of healthcare workers in their prevention. (20 marks)
2. 2. Explain the importance of infection prevention protocols in perioperative care. How
do hand hygiene, sterilization techniques, and patient preparation contribute to
infection control? (20 marks)
B. Safety Precautions in the Operating Theatre
3. 3. Evaluate the critical safety precautions that must be observed in the theatre to ensure
patient and staff safety. Include electrical, fire, and sharp safety in your response. (20
marks)
4. 4. Identify and explain the roles of the perioperative team in implementing safety
measures before, during, and after surgery. (20 marks)
C. Maintenance of Instruments and Apparatus
5. 5. Describe the routine procedures involved in the care and maintenance of surgical
instruments. Discuss how improper maintenance can impact patient safety and surgical
outcomes. (20 marks)
6. 6. Explain the principles and steps involved in the decontamination, inspection, and
storage of theatre apparatus. (20 marks)
D. Theatre Technical Services
7. 7. Discuss the roles and responsibilities of theatre technical personnel in supporting
surgical services. Highlight their contributions to patient safety and equipment
functionality. (20 marks)
8. 8. Examine the importance of proper layout, ventilation, and lighting in theatre design
as part of technical services. How do these factors affect surgical efficiency and sterility?
(20 marks)
A. Prevention of Nosocomial (Hospital-Acquired) Infections (Continued)
9. 9. Analyze the factors that contribute to the development of nosocomial infections in the
perioperative setting. How can each factor be mitigated? (20 marks)
10. 10. Describe the role of environmental hygiene and waste management in the
prevention of hospital-acquired infections. (20 marks)
11. 11. Discuss the role of antibiotic stewardship in preventing nosocomial infections in
surgical patients. (20 marks)
B. Safety Precautions in the Operating Theatre (Continued)
12. 12. Outline the procedures for ensuring fire safety in the operating theatre. Include the
use and placement of fire extinguishers and emergency exits. (20 marks)
13. 13. Discuss the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) in ensuring safety in
the operating theatre. (20 marks)
14. 14. Explain the protocols for managing exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the
operating room. (20 marks)
C. Maintenance of Instruments and Apparatus (Continued)
15. 15. Discuss the importance of regular calibration and servicing of theatre apparatus.
How does this influence surgical outcomes? (20 marks)
16. 16. Explain the differences between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of surgical
instruments. Provide examples of when each is applicable. (20 marks)
17. 17. Describe a typical maintenance schedule for surgical instruments and apparatus.
Include daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. (20 marks)
D. Theatre Technical Services (Continued)
18. 18. Evaluate the role of modern technology (e.g., robotics, digital imaging) in enhancing
theatre technical services. (20 marks)
19. 19. Discuss how power backup systems and emergency lighting are integrated into
theatre technical planning. (20 marks)
20. 20. Explain how theatre design and zoning contribute to infection control and workflow
efficiency. (20 marks)
