m. When the surgeon finishes closing the skin, wet a sponge and wipe around
the incision to remove the blood.
n.
Hand the wound dressing to the surgeon.
Section II. PROCEDURES FOLLOWING SURGERY
4-5.
DUTIES OF THE CIRCULATOR
After an operation is completed, the circulator assists the other team members
in moving the patient from the operating table to the litter. He also assists the scrub in
preparing the room for the next case. Cleaning should be performed as rapidly as
possible (about 15 minutes is allowed) to prevent delay in starting the next scheduled
surgical procedure. Specific tasks are given below.
a.
Assist the surgeon in applying the adhesive strips to the dressing.
b. While the surgeon holds the dressing in place, remove the drapes from the
patient and place it in the appropriate hamper. Ensure that all towel clamps have been
removed from the drapes.
c.
Disconnect the electrosurgical grounding pad from the patient.
d. Bring the litter into the room and assist in transferring the patient from the
table to the litter. At least four team members are required to move the patient to the
litter. The anesthetist moves the patient's head, a team member moves the feet, you
(the circulator) get on one side of the table, and the surgeon gets on the other side. On
signal, the patient is gently lifted onto the litter. If the patient is receiving an intravenous
infusion, see that an I.V. pole is attached on the litter. Then, you are to secure the strap
of the litter over the patient (according to local policy) for safety during transport.
NOTE: A bed from the ward may be used to transport the patient since this reduces the
number of times the patient must be lifted. If a bed is used, bed rails are to be put into
position.
e.
Assist the anesthetist, as requested.
f. After the scrub has suctioned some saline through the tubing, disconnect
the tubing from the suction machine.
g. When you return from transporting the patient to the Recovery Room, assist
the scrub in preparing the room for the next patient. Wet vacuum the floor and clean all
furniture as prescribed by local policy. Rearrange the furniture and replenish supplies.
MD0935
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