NCLEX Practice Questions Perioperative Nursing Related

Review NCLEX Practice Questions Perioperative Nursing related questions and content

The circulating nurse observes the surgeon tossing a bloody gauze sponge onto the sterile field. Which action should the circulating nurse implement first?

  • A. Include the sponge in the sponge count.
  • B. Obtain a new sterile instrument pack.
  • C. Tell the surgical technologist about the sponge.
  • D. Throw the sponge in the sterile trashcan.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Telling the technologist ensures the contaminated sponge is removed from the sterile field, maintaining asepsis. Counting, new instruments, or trashing are secondary or incorrect.