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

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

Explanation

The primary role of the person in the scrub role is to provide sterile instruments and supplies to the surgeon during the procedure.
A key skill for the scrub nurse is anticipating the surgical needs as the case progresses to ensure the procedure is efficient.
The scrub nurse works directly within the sterile surgical field, handling only sterile items.
This role includes setting up the sterile instrument table and mayo stand, and performing counts of all sponges, needles, and instruments with the circulating nurse.

Option B: Applying surgical drapes is a collaborative effort involving multiple members of the surgical team (surgeon, assistant, scrub nurse). It is not the sole or primary function of the scrub nurse.
Option C: While the scrub nurse handles sterile gowns and gloves for the team, the term 'giving gown' is imprecise. The circulating nurse also participates by tying the back of the gown. This is a preparatory step, not the main intraoperative function.
Option D: Positioning the patient on the operating table is a primary responsibility of the circulating nurse, done in collaboration with the anesthesiologist and other staff before the sterile procedure begins.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Roles and responsibilities of the scrub nurse in the operating theatre helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
The scrub nurse's efficiency directly impacts the duration of the surgery and the time the patient is under anesthesia, affecting overall risk.
Meticulous instrument and sponge counting by the scrub and circulating nurses is a critical patient safety measure to prevent retained surgical items (RSI), a serious and preventable medical error.
What if? - An instrument count is incorrect at the end of a procedure? The scrub nurse must immediately notify the surgeon. All activity stops, and a systematic search is conducted in the sterile field, on the floor, and in waste receptacles. An X-ray may be ordered before the patient's incision is closed to ensure no item is left inside the patient.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key subject of the question: 'scrub nurse'.
Recall the fundamental division of labor in the operating room: the scrub nurse works within the sterile field, and the circulating nurse works outside of it.
Think about the core tasks associated with the sterile field. This primarily involves handling sterile instruments and supplies.
Evaluate each option based on this core function:
'Handing instruments' fits perfectly with the role.
'Applying drapes' is part of creating the field, but is a shared task.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Roles and responsibilities of the scrub nurse in the operating theatre.
Stem keywords: function, scrub nurse, operation theatre
Lead-in keywords: Which of the following is

QjSEK8ixmk_VXah6jZfo27

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 1 pp. 69-71, 70-72

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 6 p. 188-190

Practise the full NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.