The circulating nurse prepped the face,neck,and upper chest for a radical neck dissection.After removing the protective towels around the prep site,the surgical fellow applied the head drape and the rest of the patient was draped.During the preincision surgical time-out,the fire risk score was determined to be high.When the surgeon reentered the room,after leaving the room to scrub,and donned her gown and gloves,she noticed an area on the neck that did not look prepped.She asked for prep solution on a sponge and sponge forceps to complete the prep area,taking care not to moisten the head drape.After handing off the used sponge forceps she asked for the scalpel.What step was omitted in this process?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Avoid pooling of preparation solution.If linens on the OR bed or the patient become soaked with solution,remove them from the area.Allow preparation solution to dry completely (3 to 5 minutes)before surgical drapes are applied.This may be incorporated as a time-out or "all-clear" announcement before proceeding with the draping process.

The Circulating Nurse Prepped the Face,neck,and Upper Chest for a Radical