Which of the following is a function of scrub nurse in operation theatre?

NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-1)

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The scrub nurse's foremost responsibility is to work within the sterile field, directly supporting the surgeon.
This role involves preparing the sterile instrument table (Mayo stand and back table) before the procedure begins.
During surgery, the scrub nurse anticipates the surgeon's needs and passes instruments, sutures, and other sterile supplies.
A critical safety function is performing counts of sponges, needles, and instruments with the circulating nurse before, during, and at the end of the procedure to prevent retained surgical items.

Option B: Applying surgical drapes is part of establishing the sterile field, but it is a shared responsibility, often led by the surgeon and assistants, not the sole or primary function of the scrub nurse.
Option C: While the scrub nurse does help the surgeon and assistants put on their sterile gowns and gloves, this is a preparatory step. The option is also vague and doesn't capture the full scope of the scrub nurse's intraoperative role.
Option D: Patient positioning is a critical responsibility of the circulating nurse, who works outside the sterile field. The scrub nurse must remain sterile and cannot assist with this non-sterile task.

Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration of the operating room layout showing the positions of the surgical team. This would highlight the scrub nurse standing next to the surgeon within the sterile field and the circulating nurse moving around the periphery.
Visual 2: Image - A photograph of a scrub nurse in full sterile attire passing a surgical instrument to a surgeon during a procedure.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Roles and Responsibilities of a Scrub Nurse helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
The scrub nurse's role is vital for patient safety. By meticulously tracking all instruments and sponges, they prevent retained surgical items, a serious and preventable medical error.
Maintaining the integrity of the sterile field is a core function that directly impacts the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs).
An efficient scrub nurse who anticipates the surgeon's needs contributes to a smoother, faster procedure, which can reduce anesthesia time and improve patient outcomes.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question: the specific functions of a 'scrub nurse'.
Recall the fundamental distinction between the two main nursing roles in the OR: the scrub nurse (works inside the sterile field) and the circulating nurse (works outside the sterile field).
Evaluate each option against this core distinction. Ask yourself, 'Is this task performed within the sterile field?'
Handing instruments is a core sterile task. Applying drapes is part of creating the sterile field. Positioning the patient is a non-sterile task.
Select the option that represents the most central, continuous, and defining responsibility of the scrub nurse throughout the entire surgical procedure.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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