A nurse is reviewing the roles of the intraoperative team members. Which of the following are functions of the circulating nurse? (Select all that apply.)

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:

This is incorrect because the Trendelenburg position does not improve blood pressure or blood flow to the brain. In fact, it may increase intracranial pressure and reduce cerebral perfusion.

Choice B reason:

This is incorrect because the Trendelenburg position does not reduce the risk of bleeding or infection in the lower abdomen or pelvis. It may increase the risk of aspiration, respiratory compromise, and venous congestion.

Choice C reason:

This is incorrect because the Trendelenburg position does not prevent pressure ulcers or nerve damage in the back and legs. It may cause nerve injury due to stretching of the brachial plexus and pressure on the peroneal nerve.

Choice D reason:

This is correct because the Trendelenburg position helps to increase the space and visibility in the upper abdomen or chest by displacing the abdominal organs downward. This may facilitate surgical procedures such as cholecystectomy, hiatal hernia repair, or thoracic surgery.