Question

A client is brought to the operating room for an elective surgery. What is the priority action by the circulating nurse?

Verify consent. Document the start of surgery. Count sponges and syringes. Acquire ordered blood products.

Answer 1

The priority action by the circulating nurse before an elective surgery is to **verify consent**. Ensuring that the patient has provided informed consent is a critical step in the surgical process. This includes confirming that the consent form is signed properly and that the patient understands the procedure, risks, and benefits. Once consent is verified, the nurse can proceed with other important tasks, such as documenting the start of the surgery, counting sponges and syringes, and acquiring any ordered blood products.