Final answer:
The observation that requires intervention is the scrub tech wearing a watch under his scrubs, which compromises the aseptic technique required to maintain a sterile field in the surgical suite.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked which of the following observations made by a surgical nurse requires an intervention to maintain surgical asepsis. The correct observation needing intervention is: a. the scrub tech is wearing a watch under his scrubs. This is because all jewelry should be removed to maintain the sterile field and prevent the introduction of microbes into a patient's surgical wounds. Items like watches can harbor bacteria and compromise aseptic technique, increasing the risk of sepsis.
The other listed observations do not necessarily require intervention. For example:
- b. the circulating nurse opening dressing packages before applying sterile gloves is standard procedure, as the gloves are applied after all other sterile items have been prepared and laid out.
- c. the surgeon having her hands folded 5 cm above the waist is adhering to protocol, as hands should be kept above the waist to maintain sterility after scrubbing.
- d. the holding area nurse performing client education does not involve direct maintenance of asepsis in the surgical suite, and is a separate part of the surgical process.