What would be the primary role of the surgical technologist in an intraoperative cardiac arrest?
A) Break scrub and dial 911.
B) Break scrub and quickly pull an open-heart setup.
C) Perform chest compressions on the patient.
D) Protect the sterile field unless directed otherwise.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In an intraoperative cardiac arrest, the surgical technologist's primary role would be to protect the sterile field unless directed otherwise by the surgeon or anesthesia provider. This may include handing instruments or supplies to help with resuscitative efforts, but their main responsibility is to maintain the sterility of the surgical field to prevent infection. The other options (breaking scrub and dialing 911 or quickly pulling an open-heart setup) would not be appropriate as the patient is already in the operating room and the surgical team is responsible for resuscitative efforts. Chest compressions would typically be performed by the anesthesia provider or a designated member of the team.

What Would Be the Primary Role of the Surgical Technologist