Final answer:
The best next step when unprepped skin is exposed on an operative site is to redrape the patient with a new, sterile drape. It is crucial to maintain a sterile field to prevent infections, and notifying the surgeon of the issue is also important.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a laparotomy drape has been placed on a patient and unprepped skin on the operative site is exposed, the best next step is to redrape the patient. This is necessary to maintain a sterile field and prevent postoperative infections. Notifying the surgeon is also important, but the immediate concern is to rectify the breach of sterility. Applying an iodine solution would not be sufficient on its own, as the drape itself might be contaminated from touching unprepped skin. Therefore, it is critical to first redrape the area properly using a new, sterile drape before continuing with the procedure.
It is essential that before skin incision, the entire team confirms that the patient is draped properly. If there is any doubt or identified error, the situation must be addressed immediately by following the standard protocols, which include redraping with sterile materials and ensuring that all members of the surgical team are aware of the corrective actions taken.