What is a primary responsibility of a circulating nurse during surgery?

Observing for breaks in sterile technique is a primary responsibility of a circulating nurse during surgery. This role is crucial in ensuring patient safety and preventing infections. The circulating nurse is tasked with monitoring the overall environment of the surgical field and the actions of the surgical team to uphold strict adherence to sterile procedures. By maintaining vigilance, the circulating nurse can identify any deviations from aseptic protocols, which is essential for protecting both the patient and the integrity of the surgical procedure.

The other responsibilities, while also important, are ones that may be managed by other surgical team members. Handling surgical specimens is typically the role of a technician or a specialty nurse. Assisting with surgical draping involves more direct interaction with the sterile field and is often performed by the scrub nurse. Maintaining the count of sponges, needles, and instruments is a specific task generally assigned to the scrub nurse, who is directly involved with sterile items. Each of these roles plays a significant part in the surgical process, but the circulating nurse’s responsibility to observe for breaks in sterile technique is fundamental to the patient's safety and the prevention of complications during surgery.