Final answer:
Isopropyl alcohol is contraindicated when electrocautery is used during surgery due to its flammable nature. Unlike isopropyl alcohol, povidone iodine and chlorhexidine are not flammable and are standard choices for pre-surgical antisepsis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The solution that is contraindicated as a surgical prep if electrocautery is being used during the procedure is Isopropyl alcohol. This is because alcohol-based solutions are flammable, and the use of electrocautery, which involves electrical current to cut tissue or coagulate bleeding, can ignite these vapors causing a fire hazard in the operating room.
Povidone iodine is an iodophor and a commonly used antiseptic that releases iodine slowly. It is used widely for topical antisepsis before surgical incisions. Chlorhexidine, a biguanide antiseptic noted for its persistence, provides long-lasting antimicrobial activity and is used both for surgical scrubs and patient antisepsis. Neither is considered a fire hazard in the presence of electrocautery. Hexachlorophene is not commonly used as a pre-surgical antiseptic due to potential neurotoxic effects, but its flammability is not the primary concern when using electrocautery.