Question

Before reaching the operation theater, how many zones exist?

(a) 1

(b) 3

(c) 5

(d) 7

I had been asked this question in an interview.

My doubt stems from Organization of Theaters in chapter Anaesthesia of Clinical Science

Answer 1

The correct answer is (b) 3

Easy explanation: Before entering an OT, normally there will be three zones. The outermost zone is a waiting zone, until where the patient may be accompanied by a family member. Here is also a nursing management station where the nurses and doctors go through the final paperwork for operation. The next zone is the changing zone. The changing rooms are right next to the entry so that the doctors, nurses, and technicians can immediately change into their OT scrubs. Even the shoes need to have a covering or normally they have different pairs of shoes and slippers in the changing room. Beyond that is the anesthesia room where the vitals are monitored for one last time and anesthesia is administered. Finally comes the operation theater. Within the zones, there are often resting chambers for the OT staff, offices of the surgeons, pharmacy and supply door to C.S.S.D.