A nurse is preparing an OR suite for a case involving a laser near the patient's face. Which intervention is most important to prevent a surgical fire?
- A.Keep supplemental oxygen flow at 100% via face mask throughout the procedure
- B.Use wet towels or drapes around the operative field and keep the FiO2 at the lowest level that maintains adequate saturation
- C.Apply alcohol-based skin prep directly over the surgical site and proceed immediately
- D.Ensure all staff members are wearing polyester gowns which are less flammable
Show answer & rationale
Correct answer
B. Use wet towels or drapes around the operative field and keep the FiO2 at the lowest level that maintains adequate saturation
Rationale
B is correct: Surgical fires require an oxidizer (oxygen/nitrous oxide), a fuel (drapes, sponges, hair), and an ignition source (laser, electrosurgery). Near the face with a laser, the most important interventions are: minimizing the oxidizer concentration (lowest effective FiO2) and using wet sponges or towels as fuel barriers. This is the fire triangle approach to surgical fire prevention. A is incorrect: Keeping 100% oxygen near an ignition source like a laser is one of the highest-risk scenarios for surgical fire. Oxygen concentration should be minimized. C is incorrect: Alcohol-based prep is highly flammable and must be completely dry before electrosurgery or laser use; applying it immediately before the procedure without waiting for full drying is dangerous. D is incorrect: Polyester can melt and combust; fire-resistant materials are recommended and staff attire is not the primary surgical fire prevention strategy.
Key concepts