Roles of DSU, Anaesthesia, Scrub, Scout and PACU Nurses

Question 1

Anaesthesia Nurse Role

Answer 1

Cares for the pt in the immediate time prior to, during and after surgery.
- provides procedural support to the anaesthetist during the preparation, induction, maintenance and emergence from anaesthesia.

Question 2

Anaesthesia nurse responsibilities - Pre-operative

Answer 2

• check in pt from DSU/ward
• ensure paperwork completed and consent signed
• check allergies and x-rays are with the pt

Question 3

Anaesthesia nurse responsibilities - intraoperative

Answer 3

• assist in cannulation, intubation and intraoperative monitoring and fluids
• monitor pt and prepare for following procedure/ pt.

Question 4

Anaesthesia nurse responsibilities - post-op

Answer 4

• assist in extubation and transferring pt ro recovery room.

Question 5

Scout nurse role

Answer 5

A non-sterile member of the team who coordinate activities in the operating room.
- all items required to optimise pt outcome are delivered aseptically onto the field.

Question 6

Scout nurse role - pre-op

Answer 6

• prepare OR and Op equipment
• ensure OT scout trolley stocked and extra sterile supplies available
• assist scrub nurse and scrubbed personnel to gown and glove

Question 7

Scout nurse role - intra-op

Answer 7

• open extra sterile items as required
• perform first and second counts

Question 8

Scout nurse role - post-op

Answer 8

• clean and prepare OR for following procedure/pt

Question 9

Scrub nurse role

Answer 9

Anticipates the needs of the surgical team, assess the surgical team requirements and provides sterile supplies and equipment required for the procedure

Question 10

Scrub nurse role - pre-op

Answer 10

• ensure all sterile supplies and surgical instruments are present
• liaised with surgical team to ensure order of list and equipment present
• perform surgical scrub, gown and glove

Question 11

Scrub nurse role - intra-op

Answer 11

• perform initial, first and second counts
• management of intra op surgical equipment
• assist where required in surgical procedure

Question 12

Scrub nurse role - post-op

Answer 12

• ensure all instrument are returned to appropriate trays
• sign all documentation

Question 13

PACU role

Answer 13

Ongoing critical evaluation of the pt condition, anticipating and preventing complications that may result.

Question 14

PACU role - post-op

Answer 14

• ensure all paperwork accompanies pt
• manage and monitor airway, BP and pain management
• check patency of drains and catheters
• observe for post party haemorrhage in obs and gynae pt
• transfer pt to ward