Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Practice Exam

The correct duration for placing a bacterial filter on an endotracheal (ET) tube after the case room is closed is indeed 28 minutes. This specific time frame is rooted in protocols aimed at minimizing the risk of contamination and preventing potential infections in the surgical environment. After the completion of a surgical case, it is crucial to maintain strict infection control measures. The airflow dynamics and potential for aerosol transmission in an operating room necessitate ensuring that any exhaled airborne pathogens are filtered out effectively after the procedure. The 28-minute period is based on research and consensus guidelines that determine the sufficient time it takes for these filters to capture airborne particles and bacteria effectively without compromising patient safety. This practice helps to protect both the surgical team and the patient against post-operative infections. While other duration options might seem plausible in infection control contexts, they do not align with the established guidelines that prioritize the optimal balance between effective filtration and practical feasibility in the operating room setting.