Roles of Circulating and Scrub Nurses in Surgery

When should a patient typically begin taking ice chips or sips of fluids after arriving on an acute surgical care unit?

How soon do patients without a catheter need to void after surgery?

When is the critical time for wound healing after surgery?

What may be contraindicated after brain, spinal, head, neck, or eye surgery?

When is a clean surgical wound usually susceptible to infection?

What should be monitored for ongoing basis in patients post-surgery?

What position may help bariatric patients with improved lung function and vital capacity?

Perioperative nursing care encompasses care provided before, during, and after surgery in various settings such as hospitals, surgical centers, and healthcare provider offices.
Nurses in perioperative settings must possess critical thinking skills, practice strict surgical asepsis, communicate effectively with the surgical team, and prioritize patient safety throughout all phases of care.
Surgery can be classified based on seriousness (major or minor), urgency (elective, urgent, emergency), and purpose (diagnostic, ablative, palliative, reconstructive/restorative, etc.).
Various risk factors such as smoking, age, nutrition, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, immune system compromise, and fluid/electrolyte imbalance can impact patients undergoing surgery.
Complications like post-operative nausea and vomiting, venous thromboembolism, and infection risk are important considerations in perioperative nursing care.
Nursing interventions involve careful patient screening, collaboration with healthcare providers, preventive measures for clot formation, nutritional support, and assessment of patient support systems and coping mechanisms.
Intraoperatively, roles such as circulating nurse, scrub nurse, and RN first assistant play crucial parts in ensuring patient safety, efficient supply use, and effective coordination in the operating room setting.

This quiz covers the responsibilities of circulating nurses, who manage various aspects during surgery, and scrub nurses, who assist in surgical procedures by providing instruments and supplies. Learn about the differences and requirements for each role.