Which action should the operating room nurse manager delegate to the registered nurse first assistant (RNFA)?

Which action should the operating room nurse manager delegate to the registered nurse first assistant (RNFA)?

• A. Make surgical incisions and suture incisions as needed.
• B. Coordinate transfer of the patient to the operating table.
• C. Provide postoperative teaching about coughing to the patient.
• D. Set up instrument tables at the beginning of the surgical procedure.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the RN First Assistant works in the sterile field to actively participate in the operation by taking on portions of the procedure under the surgeon’s direction. Making the surgical incision and suturing are tasks that the RNFA can perform to help advance the procedure and maintain sterile technique, as delegated by the surgeon. This role supports efficiency and continuity during the operation. Coordinating transfer of the patient to the operating table is a circulating/nursing responsibility that occurs before the incision. Providing postoperative teaching about coughing is education that happens after surgery, not during the procedure. Setting up instrument tables at the beginning of the procedure is the circulating nurse’s responsibility to establish the sterile field.

The main idea is that the RN First Assistant works in the sterile field to actively participate in the operation by taking on portions of the procedure under the surgeon’s direction. Making the surgical incision and suturing are tasks that the RNFA can perform to help advance the procedure and maintain sterile technique, as delegated by the surgeon. This role supports efficiency and continuity during the operation.

Coordinating transfer of the patient to the operating table is a circulating/nursing responsibility that occurs before the incision. Providing postoperative teaching about coughing is education that happens after surgery, not during the procedure. Setting up instrument tables at the beginning of the procedure is the circulating nurse’s responsibility to establish the sterile field.