This online theory course examines the principles and practices necessary to provide safe surgical patient care. Students study surgical asepsis, infection prevention, decontamination, sterilization, sterile storage and distribution, and the selection and use of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies. Additional topics include preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative surgical case management; patient transportation, transfer, and positioning; skin preparation, urinary catheterization, and draping; hemostasis, wound healing, and wound closure; diagnostic procedures; and emergency situations and all-hazards preparation. Students analyze the rationale for perioperative practices and the surgical technologist’s responsibilities. Course content aligns with the AST Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology, 7th Edition. Hands-on skill development and competency evaluation occur in the separate laboratory course.
Prerequisites
Admission to the Surgical Technology program.