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Chapter 14 Surgical Room Skills 265

(a) (b) (c)

FIGURE 14.21 Steps A–C of folding a gown.

(d) (e)

FIGURE 14.22 Steps D and E of folding a gown.

Step D is starting the accordion fold along the length of absorption during a surgery. Cloth drapes come with
the gown. Start with the sleeve openings, lift and fold a either a rectangle fenestration or a circular fenestration.
length of gown under the sleeve layer (Figure 14.22a). They have to be folded so that the fenestration shows on
Continue until the entire length of the gown is accordion the bottom of the folded drape. This can be tricky but
folded under the sleeves as shown in Step E (Figure 14.22b). with a little practice you will achieve this every time. Start
Insert an autoclave indicator approximately in the middle by laying the drape out on a table top. The first fold is
of the gown material and tuck the ties into the folded gown. somewhat of a double fold (Figure 14.25 A.1 and A.2)
A surgical towel or paper towels are included with the Grasp the corners with your index fingers and thumbs
gown. This allows the scrubbed personnel to dry their and pull the cloth over itself so the corners end up
hands after performing a surgical scrub before putting pointing out away from the center. A.1 shows the fold
on the gown. For the steps for folding a surgical towel, completed. A.2 shows the assistant continuing to
see Figure 14.23. Place the towel on top of the sleeves of accordion fold the material until you reach the center of
the folded gown. Gowns are only single wrapped utilizing the fenestration. Repeat on the other side of the wrap.
the technique previously described for the instrument Once both sides are folded, start to accordion fold the
pack (Figure 14.24). Label the tapes with date and initials ends in to meet in the middle of the fenestration
on one piece and the size of the gown on the other. (Figure 14.26 B. 1 and B. 2) Note how the folds have
almost centered the fenestration on the bottom of the
Folding a Cloth Drape folded drape B.2. As mentioned, paper drapes are often
included with the cloth drapes. Most clinics will require
Cloth drapes are often used over paper drapes during a four paper drapes folded in accordion style and large
surgical procedure. This gives two layers of security and enough to cover the chest, sides, and back legs