A client is prepped and draped in the operating room for a scheduled surgical procedure. The surgeon is preparing to make the initial incision. Which safety action is the highest priority for the circulating nurse to initiate at this exact moment?
- Conduct a time-out with the entire surgical team to verify the client, procedure, and operative siteAnswer
- BDelegate the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to perform a final check of the client's identification band
- CEnsure the surgical team is applying transmission-based airborne precautions for standard infection control
- DReposition the client to perform a comprehensive head-to-toe physical assessment
Answer
Conduct a time-out with the entire surgical team to verify the client, procedure, and operative site
The correct answer identifies the Universal Protocol, a standardized safety measure established by the Joint Commission. A 'time-out' must be conducted in the location where the procedure will be done, just before starting the procedure. It requires the active communication of all surgical team members to verbally verify that they have the correct client, are performing the correct procedure, and are at the correct anatomical site.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Universal Protocol and Surgical Time-Out