Which statement best describes a standard environmental control for reducing airborne contaminants in the OR?

Which statement best describes a standard environmental control for reducing airborne contaminants in the OR?

• A. The system maintains a positive pressure relative to surrounding spaces
• B. The system maintains a negative pressure relative to surrounding spaces
• C. The system requires no filtration
• D. The system relies on local fans only

Answer: (A)

In the operating room, controlling airborne contaminants relies on keeping the room at a higher pressure than surrounding areas so that air moves from the OR to adjacent spaces when doors are opened, and the incoming air is clean and filtered. This positive pressure setup helps prevent contaminated air from entering the sterile environment. The statement describing maintaining a positive pressure relative to surrounding spaces best fits this goal because it ensures a continuous flow of filtered, clean air out of the room, reducing the chance that contaminants from hallways or adjacent areas will be drawn into the OR. In contrast, negative pressure would pull air from outside into the OR, increasing contamination risk; no filtration would allow contaminants to remain in circulation; and relying on local fans alone wouldn’t guarantee the required directional airflow or filtration to maintain a clean environment.

In the operating room, controlling airborne contaminants relies on keeping the room at a higher pressure than surrounding areas so that air moves from the OR to adjacent spaces when doors are opened, and the incoming air is clean and filtered. This positive pressure setup helps prevent contaminated air from entering the sterile environment.

The statement describing maintaining a positive pressure relative to surrounding spaces best fits this goal because it ensures a continuous flow of filtered, clean air out of the room, reducing the chance that contaminants from hallways or adjacent areas will be drawn into the OR. In contrast, negative pressure would pull air from outside into the OR, increasing contamination risk; no filtration would allow contaminants to remain in circulation; and relying on local fans alone wouldn’t guarantee the required directional airflow or filtration to maintain a clean environment.