Final answer:
After a surgical procedure has begun, the surgical technician is responsible for confirming that needle, sponge, and instrument counts are complete to ensure patient safety and adhere to aseptic techniques.
Step-by-step explanation:
A task that should be performed by the surgical technician only after the surgical procedure has begun is confirming that needle, sponge, and instrument counts are complete. This is a critical component of maintaining aseptic technique and ensuring patient safety. The surgical technician plays a vital role in this process by counting these items to prevent any retained foreign bodies post-operation.
During the procedure, a 'time out' is conducted to verify patient identity, surgical site, consent, and the procedure itself. The operating room team, including surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia professionals, review concerns specific to the patient's postoperative recovery and care. The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) outlines the standards for these practices, which also include guidelines for thorough handwashing and surgical scrubbing to reduce the risk of surgical site infections.