Final answer:
During the preoperative period, both the circulator and the STSR can assist in patient positioning, prepare the surgical site, and monitor vital signs. Administering anesthesia is only performed by the anesthesia professional.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the preoperative period, both the circulator and the Surgical Technologist-Surgical First Assistant (STSR) can perform the tasks of assisting in patient positioning, preparing the surgical site, and monitoring vital signs. However, only the anesthesia professional can administer anesthesia.
Assisting in patient positioning involves helping the patient get into the proper position for surgery, which may include positioning them on the operating table or using specialized equipment.Preparing the surgical site involves ensuring that the area to be operated on is clean and sterile, which may include disinfecting the site and draping the patient.