A nurse is preparing to assist with a surgical procedure that involves electrocautery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent burns to the patient?

Choice A reason:

Assisting with surgical procedures is not a function of the circulating nurse, but of the scrub nurse or the surgical assistant. The circulating nurse is responsible for coordinating the care of the patient in the operating room and ensuring a safe environment.

Choice B reason:

Counting instruments and sponges is a function of both the scrub nurse and the circulating nurse. They work together to ensure that no foreign objects are left inside the patient or on the sterile field.

Choice C reason:

Documenting events and interventions is a function of the circulating nurse. The circulating nurse records all relevant information about the patient's condition, the surgical procedure, the anesthesia administration, and any specimens collected.

Choice D reason:

Administering anesthesia and monitoring vital signs is not a function of the circulating nurse, but of the anesthesia care provider (ACP) The ACP is responsible for assessing the patient's health status, selecting and administering the appropriate anesthetic agent, and monitoring the patient's response to anesthesia.

Choice E reason:

Maintaining surgical asepsis and sterile technique is a function of both the scrub nurse and the circulating nurse. The scrub nurse maintains a sterile field by wearing sterile attire, handling sterile instruments and supplies, and preventing contamination. The circulating nurse maintains asepsis by monitoring the sterile field, checking for breaks in technique, and obtaining additional items as needed.

Choice A reason:

Preparing the surgical instruments and equipment is one of the tasks that the CST performs, but it is not the only one. According to the Mayo Clinic, surgical technologists also assist during and after surgical procedures by passing tools, holding retractors, cutting suture, applying dressings, and counting materials. Therefore, choice A is incomplete and not the best answer.

Choice B reason:

Providing emotional support and education to the patient is not a task that the CST performs. This is usually done by the registered nurse (RN) or the anesthesia care provider before the surgery. The CST does not interact with the patient directly, but rather focuses on preparing and maintaining a sterile environment in the operating room. Therefore, choice B is incorrect.

Choice C reason:

Monitoring the patient's vital signs and oxygen saturation is not a task that the CST performs. This is usually done by the anesthesia care provider or the perioperative nurse during the surgery. The CST does not monitor the patient's condition, but rather assists the surgeon and other members of the surgical team. Therefore, choice C is incorrect.

Choice D reason:

Applying sterile drapes and handing instruments to the surgeon are both tasks that the CST performs. According to WebMD, these are part of the intraoperative duties of the CST, along with keeping the operating room sterile, assisting in retracting tissues, and suctioning and sponging. Therefore, choice D is correct and covers two of the main tasks that the CST performs.