OR workers have to mentally multitask when sharps are in use, focusing simultaneously on patient and worker safety. The human tendency is to devise a pecking order, and most often, patient safety comes first. Even if there is unexpected bleeding during a procedure, and speed becomes a factor, patient safety is still at the fore, right? This is by no means wrong - it's just that you must give worker safety nearly as much attention.
An orthopedic surgeon is performing a lengthy hip replacement case. Working in the patient's open body cavity, where visualization is difficult, he uses his fingertips to guide the suture needle tip as he places the bone pins. A sharp pain in his finger tells him he's been stuck by the needle. Withdrawing his hand, he sees both layers of his glove are torn and blood dripping from the wound. He reports the needlestick to the OR administrator, and asks: What's our procedure for reporting potential exposures to patients? Good question. What's yours?
