Question

q18. the surgical technician was assigned to set up or 1 for the procedure. you learn that the or 1 case is delayed by two hours, and you are being transferred to or 2. what is the best course of action? cover the sterile field with a sterile drape and move it from or 1 to or 2. new sterile supplies and instruments should be obtained for or 2, and the setup in or 1 should be disposed of. or 1 should be left so the next case can use these supplies and instruments. the surgical technician should argue that the procedure be held in or 1 as planned.

Explanation:

In a surgical setting, maintaining sterility is crucial. Moving a sterile field (even covered) between ORs risks contamination. Leaving OR 1 setup may not be suitable as the delay is two hours and the next case may have different needs. Arguing to hold the procedure in OR 1 as planned is not practical if there are valid reasons for the transfer (e.g., OR 2 availability for other aspects of patient care). Obtaining new sterile supplies for OR 2 and disposing of the OR 1 setup (which may have been exposed to the OR 1 environment for a while due to the delay) is the safest practice to ensure patient safety from potential contamination.

Answer:

New sterile supplies and instruments should be obtained for OR 2, and the setup in OR 1 should be disposed of.