THE EFFECT OF SURGICAL MASK AND N95 MASK USE ON SURGICAL SMOKE IN OPERATING ROOM NURSES

Bartın Unıversity38 enrolled

Overview

This study was conducted to compare the effect of surgical mask and N95 mask use on physical symptoms due to surgical smoke in operating theatre nurses. The study, which was conducted in a single-group prospective quasi-experimental design, was completed with 38 nurses in the operating theatre unit of a state hospital in the Western Black Sea Region. Data were collected for four weeks using the Descriptive Information Form, Numerical Rating Scale and Symptom Follow-up Form. According to the findings, muscle weakness, myalgia in the upper extremities and muscle cramps were statistically significantly less in nurses using N95 masks. Respiratory parameters, watery eyes and redness were significantly lower in nurses using surgical masks. As a result, it was determined that the type of mask was effective on the incidence of physical symptoms related to surgical smoke.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Surgical Smoke Exposure Occupational Exposure to Surgical Smoke Headache

Interventions

Surgical MaskDEVICE

Standard surgical masks were used by operating room nurses during surgical procedures with exposure to surgical smoke.

N95 MaskDEVICE

N95 respirators were used by operating room nurses during surgical procedures with exposure to surgical smoke.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Willingness to participate in the study * Aged 18 years or older * Working as a sterile operating room nurse at least 4 hours per day, 5 days per week * Compliance with the protocol requiring continuous use of both surgical mask and N95 mask for at least 4 hours per day * Ability to communicate verbally and provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed psychiatric disorders * Presence of chronic respiratory, musculoskeletal, or neurological diseases * Presence of chronic dermatological conditions or allergies affecting the facial or respiratory area * Speech or communication impairments * Pregnancy * Holding a supervisory role (e.g., charge nurse) or non-sterile nursing role * Planned unit change or rotation during the study period

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Surgical Smoke-Related Physical Symptom Severity (Total NRS Score)

The severity of physical symptoms related to surgical smoke exposure in operating room nurses, including headache, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue/weakness, loss of appetite, and dyspnea, was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Each symptom was rated on a standardized numeric scale, and a total symptom severity score was calculated by summing the individual symptom scores. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.

Time frame: Five days per week for a duration of four weeks both preoperatively and postoperatively

Central Contacts

Hilal Çetin Baltutar, Nurse

CONTACT

+905336087874 hilalcetinbaltutar@gmail.com

Sevim Çelik, Proffessor