Final answer:
Nurses, with support from the surgical team, are tasked with removing a patient's personal items in the OR during pre-surgery preparations.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is the responsibility of the nurses, sometimes with assistance from other members of the surgical team, to remove a patient's personal items in the Operating Room (OR). Before the skin incision, there is a time out where the entire team including nurses, surgeons, and anesthesia professionals review aloud the key concerns for the recovery and care of the patient. This ensures a shared understanding of the patient's needs and preparation for surgery, which may involve the secure handling and storage of personal belongings.
For example, a patient's rings, bracelets, and watches can harbor bacteria, potentially causing surgical site infections. Therefore, the surgical team ensures that these items are safely stored or returned to the patient's family.