Nursing Roles Module 2

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary responsibility of the scrub nurse during preoperative setup?

Prep surgical site with antiseptic solution

Assist anesthetist with patient positioning

Check case cart for sterile supplies

Complete surgical hand scrub as per policy (correct)

Which of the following tasks is NOT part of the circulating nurse's responsibilities?

Ensure OR equipment is functioning

Assist anesthetist with induction

Set up the sterile surgical table (correct)

Check case cart for supplies

In which phase of perioperative care does the scrub nurse drape the Mayo Stand and back table?

Induction

Postoperative

Intraoperative

Preoperative (correct)

What should the scrub nurse do after completing the surgical hand scrub?

Drape the Mayo Stand aseptically Signup and view all the answers

Which action is part of the circulatory nurse's role during the preoperative setup?

Complete pre-op patient assessment Signup and view all the answers

How does the scrub nurse assist in ensuring safe patient care during surgery?

By preparing the patient's surgical site Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the surgical hand scrub performed by the scrub nurse?

To eliminate germs before wearing sterile gloves Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly outlines the responsibility of the scrub nurse and circulating nurse during surgery?

Scrub nurse manages sterile field, circulating nurse facilitates overall operations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the scrub nurse during a surgical procedure?

Handling surgical instruments and assisting the surgical team Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the roles of scrub and circulating nurses?

The circulating nurse must be an RN, while the scrub nurse can be an RN or RPN. Signup and view all the answers

Which task is typically performed by the circulating nurse?

Opening supplies and managing documentation Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial step for both the RN and RPN before starting a surgical case?

Conducting safety checks and organizing the case cart together Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can an RPN assume the role of a circulating nurse?

With direct supervision from an RN Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to perform correctly when setting up the surgical case cart?

Including all necessary instruments and supplies for the case Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the circulating nurse?

Handling sterile instruments directly Signup and view all the answers

Why is aseptic technique vital in the setup of the operating room?

To prevent contamination and infection during surgery Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the scrub nurse regarding the surgical count?

Initiate and complete the surgical count at appropriate times Signup and view all the answers

Which task should NOT be performed by the circulating nurse during a surgical procedure?

Maintaining asepsis at the sterile field Signup and view all the answers

What is a key action the scrub nurse takes to ensure a smooth surgical procedure?

Anticipate the needs of the surgical team Signup and view all the answers

How should the scrub nurse handle sharps during the surgical procedure?

Ensure they are safely disposed of in the sharps container Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct process for labeling medications and solutions on a sterile setup?

Ensure each medication and solution is labeled clearly on the sterile setup Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the scrub nurse in maintaining surgical asepsis?

Count instruments and ensure sterility Signup and view all the answers

What important step should be taken after completing the surgical procedure?

Apply a sterile dressing and document the case Signup and view all the answers

During intraoperative care, what must the scrub nurse do with instruments?

Keep instruments clean and organized on the mayo stand Signup and view all the answers

Upon transferring the patient post-surgery, what responsibility does the circulating nurse have?

Coordinate nursing activities in the OR and prepare for the next case Signup and view all the answers

How should the scrub nurse prepare ligatures and sutures?

In the order preferred by the surgeon Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nursing Roles in the Operating Room

Scrub nurse and circulating nurse collaborate throughout surgical procedures to ensure safety and effective patient care.
Scrub nurses complete the surgical hand scrub and don sterile gown/gloves to work within the sterile field.
Circulating nurses assist with patient induction and maintain communication with the surgical team, working outside the sterile field.

Preoperative Responsibilities

Scrub Nurse:
- Completes surgical hand scrub according to hospital policies.
- Dons sterile gown and gloves, and sets up sterile surgical instruments.
- Prepares surgical site with designated antiseptic solutions and organizes instruments following surgeon's preference.
- Collaborates in patient assessment and safeguards medication labeling.
Circulating Nurse:
- Checks the case cart for sterile/non-sterile supplies and ensures equipment is set up correctly.
- Assesses and prepares the patient for surgery, assists with positioning, and conducts safety checks.
- Initiates Surgical Time Out as part of safety protocol and manages surgical count with scrub nurse.

Intraoperative Care

Scrub Nurse:
- Maintains aseptic technique and anticipates the needs of the surgical team.
- Passes surgical instruments safely and keeps the instrument table organized.
- Initiates surgical counts to ensure all materials are accounted for during the procedure.
Circulating Nurse:
- Opens sterile supplies for the surgical team and ensures proper setup of the environment.
- Coordinates activities and assists anesthetist as needed.
- Completes OR documentation and manages communications within the surgical team.

Postoperative Care

Scrub Nurse:
- Applies or provides sterile dressing and manages disposal of surgical drapes and equipment.
- Conducts surgical count verification and prepares for the next surgical case.
Circulating Nurse:
- Completes post-op assessments and assists with patient transfer to recovery units.
- Participates in Surgical Debrief and assists with room turnover for subsequent surgeries.

Guidelines and Precautions

Surgical procedures prioritize efficiency, time management, and strict adherence to aseptic techniques.
Continuous communication among nursing staff is vital for maintaining patient safety and effective care.

Distinct Roles

Scrub nurses (RN or RPN) work within the sterile environment and directly assist during procedures.
Circulating nurses (only RNs) control activities outside the sterile field, ensuring that supplies and communication are effectively managed.
RPNs may assume circulating responsibilities under direct nursing supervision.

Preparation and Setup

Preoperative setup includes confirming the case cart contents, preparing all necessary surgical instruments, and verifying the function of OR equipment.
Safe handling of surgical supplies is essential for maintaining a sterile and organized operating environment.

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Description

Explore the distinct roles of nurses in the surgical environment with this quiz on Module 2: Nursing Roles. Understand the key responsibilities of the scrub nurse, circulating nurse, and their collaboration during surgeries for effective patient care. Test your knowledge on the essential functions that support surgical teams.