Which practice is recommended for damp dusting in the operating room?

In the context of maintaining a sterile and safe environment in the operating room, it is crucial to understand the principles of dusting. The recommended practice for damp dusting involves starting with higher surfaces and then moving to lower surfaces. This method is effective because it allows for dust and debris that may fall from the higher surfaces to be captured on the lower surfaces that will be cleaned afterward. By beginning at the top, you ensure that any particulates dislodged during the cleaning process will be addressed on the lower surfaces, ultimately leading to a more thorough cleaning and minimizing the risk of contamination.

In addition, damp dusting is preferred over dry dusting as it helps to trap dust particles rather than spreading them into the air. This is why the use of dry cloths only is not optimal in this situation. Starting with lower surfaces and working upward would not effectively manage the distribution of dirt and dust, allowing it to settle back down onto surfaces that have already been cleaned, which is counterproductive. Similarly, dusting instruments before surfaces is not the best practice because instruments can become contaminated by the dust falling from cleaned surfaces. Hence, starting with higher surfaces and moving to lower surfaces is the most effective technique for damp dusting in the operating room.