Question

A circulating nurse is preparing a client for a surgical procedure. What are the primary responsibilities of the circulating nurse in the perioperative experience? Select all that apply.

passing the surgical instruments coordinating the efforts of the surgical team verifying informed consent
ensuring proper lighting

marking the surgical site

Answer 1

In the perioperative experience, the primary responsibilities of the circulating nurse include the following:

1. **Coordinating the efforts of the surgical team** - The circulating nurse ensures that the surgical team works together smoothly and efficiently throughout the procedure.

2. **Verifying informed consent** - The circulating nurse confirms that the informed consent has been obtained and is appropriately documented, ensuring that the patient understands the procedure.

3. **Ensuring proper lighting** - The circulating nurse is responsible for making sure that the surgical area is properly illuminated for the procedure.

4. **Marking the surgical site** - While it is often a collaborative process, the circulating nurse may assist in ensuring that the surgical site is marked correctly, often in conjunction with the surgeon.

The circulating nurse does not typically pass surgical instruments; this is usually the responsibility of the scrub nurse or scrub tech.

Therefore, the correct selections would be:
- Coordinating the efforts of the surgical team
- Verifying informed consent
- Ensuring proper lighting
- Marking the surgical site