Fundamentals of Nursing Q 247
A scrub nurse in the operating room has which responsibility?
A. Positioning the patient
B. Assisting with gowning and gloving
C. Handling surgical instruments to the surgeon
D. Applying surgical drapes
Correct Answer: C. Handling surgical instruments to the surgeon
The scrub nurse assists the surgeon by providing appropriate surgical instruments and supplies, maintaining strict surgical asepsis and, with the circulating nurse, accounting for all gauze, sponges, needles, and instruments. The circulating nurse assists the surgeon and scrub nurse, positions the patient, applies appropriate equipment and surgical drapes, assists with gowning and gloving, and provides the surgeon and scrub nurse with supplies.
Option A: The circulating nurse is responsible for managing all nursing care within the operating room, observing the surgical team from a broad perspective, and assisting the team to create and maintain a safe, comfortable environment for the patient’s surgery.
Option B: A circulating nurse is responsible for coordinating care, obtaining supplies, and liaising with the patient’s family.
Option D: Assessing the patient right before surgery is critical to making sure that all required prep was completed. Serving as a patient advocate and safety monitor, the circulating nurse observes the surgery and ensures that no aspect of patient care is missed.