Question

A cardiac arrest occurs during a procedure, and the surgeon is resuscitating the patient. What is the responsibility of the surgical technologist in the scrub role during this time?

A. Hand the surgeon a loaded needle holder and forceps for closing.
B. Break scrub and call for help.
C. Remain sterile and maintain the sterile field.
D. Move the electrosurgical unit (ESU) away from the operating table.

Answer 1

During a cardiac arrest in a procedure, the surgical technologist must remain sterile and maintain the sterile field to prevent infection if resuscitation succeeds.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a cardiac arrest occurs during a procedure, the surgical technologist in the scrub role has a critical function. According to the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), the primary responsibility of the surgical technologist is to remain sterile and maintain the sterile field. This ensures that if resuscitation efforts are successful, the patient is not subjected to potential infections that could occur if sterility is compromised. In this case, the correct response for the surgical technologist would be C. Remain sterile and maintain the sterile field. It is essential during these moments that other members of the team call for help and manage any additional equipment or tasks, such as using a defibrillator or managing the electrosurgical unit (ESU), if necessary.