Before the Incision Begins
Provide 2 sponges on the operative site prior to incision.
Passes the 1st knife for the skin to the surgeon with blade facing downward and a hemostat to the assistant surgeon.
Hand the retractor to the assistant surgeon.
Watch the field/ procedure and anticipate the surgeon’s needs.
Pass the instrument in a decisive and positive manner.
Watch out for hand signals to ask for instruments and keep instrument as clean as possible by wiping instrument with moist sponge.
Always remove charred tissue from the cautery tip.
Notify circulating nurse if you need additional instruments as clear as possible.
Keep 2 sponges on the field.
Save and care for tissue specimen according to the hospital policy.
Remove excess instrument from the sterile field.
Adhere and maintain sterile technique and watch for any breaks