2-4.
KEY MEMBERS OF THE SURGICAL TEAM
a.
Surgeon. The surgeon is the leader of the surgical team and has the
ultimate responsibility for performing the surgery in an effective and safe manner. He is
dependent upon other members of the team for the patient's emotional well-being and
physiologic monitoring.
b.
Anesthesiologist/Anesthetist. The anesthesiologist/anesthetist must be
constantly aware of the surgeon's actions. He must do every thing possible to ensure
the safety of the patient and reduce the stress of the operation.
(1)
Anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist is a physician who is trained
in the administration of anesthetics.
(2)
Anesthetist. The anesthetist is a registered professional nurse who
is trained to administer anesthetics.
(3)
Responsibilities. The responsibilities of the anesthesiologist and the
anesthetist include:
(a)
Providing a smooth induction of the patient's anesthesia in
order to prevent pain.
(b) Maintaining satisfactory degrees of relaxation of the patient for
the duration of the surgical procedure.
(c) Continuous monitoring to the physiologic status of the patient,
to include oxygen exchange, circulatory functions, systemic circulation, and vital signs.
(d) Advising the surgeon of impending complications and
independently intervening as necessary.
c.
Scrub Nurse (or Scrub Assistant).
(1)
The scrub nurse or scrub assistant prepares the setup and assists
the surgeon by passing instruments, sutures, etc.
(2)
In the Army, the operating room specialist (91D) will often help to fill
this role.
d.
Circulating Nurse.
(1)
The circulating nurse is a professional registered nurse who is free to
obtain supplies, answer the anesthesiologist/anesthetist requests, deliver supplies to
the sterile field, carry out the nursing care plan, etc.
MD0915
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