SELF/Perioperative Nursing/Setting Up the Operating Room

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By the end of this training, the perioperative nurse will be able to perform a complete operating room inventory and equipment setup, ensuring all surgical, anesthesia, and safety equipment are present, functional, and arranged according to best practices, with appropriate documentation and readiness for patient arrival.

1. Describe the principles of the operating room typical layout, safety zoning, and efficient workflow .
2. Identify essential equipment and supplies for operating room preparation and turn over.
3. Explain the correct handling and presentation of unopened sterile packs to maintain sterility.
4. Recognize the critical equipment and system checks required before a procedure, including power and gas supply.
5. Describe the processes of equipment decontamination, waste segregation, and post procedure environmental management.
6. Explain the tasks unique to operating room turnover procedures, including preventive maintenance and restocking.

Setup planning is the backbone of perioperative safety and efficiency. A well-organized operating room (OR) allows each team member to anticipate the flow of the procedure and reduces both time loss and the risk of error. Nurses should begin by considering ergonomic principles: positioning surgical tables, anesthesia equipment, and instrument trolleys so that the surgeon and assistants have comfortable, unobstructed access. Circulating space should allow movement without compromising the sterile field, and lighting angles should minimize shadows on the surgical site. Every adjustment should be intentional—ergonomics not only protects staff from fatigue and injury but also supports uninterrupted patient care.

Equally important is establishing safety zoning within the OR. The sterile field (tables, drapes, back table, Mayo stand) should be clearly separated from clean areas (documentation desks, anesthesia supply corner) and contaminated zones (waste bins, linen hampers). Nurses must reinforce the discipline of zone adherence: sterile staff do not cross into non-sterile areas, and non-sterile staff keep distance from the sterile field unless handing in sterile packs. These practices may seem basic but are critical, especially in resource-limited facilities where infection prevention relies heavily on meticulous technique rather than abundant disposable supplies.

Before equipment is positioned or sterile supplies are brought into the operating room, the environment itself must be suitable for safe patient care. A clean room cannot compensate for an unsafe environment, and equipment checks are only meaningful if the room is ready to support surgery.

Nurses should first verify that terminal cleaning has been completed according to local policy. Floors, walls, work surfaces, lights, equipment surfaces, and high-touch areas should be visibly clean and free from blood, body fluids, dust, or debris. Any signs of incomplete cleaning, spills, contamination, or moisture should be addressed before setup proceeds.

Environmental conditions should also be assessed. Room temperature and humidity should be within locally approved ranges to support patient comfort, equipment performance, and infection prevention. Excessive heat or humidity may affect staff performance, sterile supplies, and equipment function. The nurse should report environmental abnormalities promptly.

Ventilation and airflow are equally important. Operating rooms are designed to control airborne contamination through controlled airflow systems. Frequent door opening, unnecessary traffic, and blocked air vents disrupt this protective environment. Staff should limit unnecessary movement in and out of the room and ensure that equipment does not obstruct ventilation systems.

Traffic control is an important component of environmental readiness. Only personnel directly involved in patient care should enter the room once preparation begins. Excessive traffic increases contamination risk and creates distractions that may contribute to errors.

If environmental readiness cannot be confirmed, the nurse should escalate concerns to the appropriate supervisor before proceeding with room setup. Surgery should not begin in an environment that cannot support safe patient care.

Planning also requires assembling the full materials list before the procedure begins. Nurses should confirm the presence and readiness of:

• OR master supply list and cleaning checklist
• OR logbook for documentation and accountability
• Personal protective equipment (gloves, gowns, masks)
• Basic OR furniture (tables, Mayo stands, instrument trolleys)
• Anesthesia machine and associated circuits
• Overhead and portable lighting equipment
• Suction machine and collection bottles
• Drapes, sterile storage, and linen sets
• Basic surgical instruments for the planned procedure
• Waste disposal containers (sharps, infectious, and general)

Equally important is the arrangement and typical layout of these materials.

• The anesthesia machine should be positioned at the head of the OR table, with secure access to oxygen and suction.
• The instrument trolley and Mayo stand should be aligned close to the operative side of the surgeon, while maintaining clear circulation space for staff movement.
• Drapes and linen sets should be stored in an accessible but non-obstructive corner, ready for the scrub nurse.
• Waste disposal containers should be placed at designated points on the periphery, away from the sterile zone but within reach for safe disposal of sharps and contaminated items.

Standardizing this setup pattern not only saves time but also allows staff members—regardless of their familiarity with the room—to know instinctively where each item is located. This predictability is especially crucial when teams are rotating frequently or when emergencies require rapid access to equipment.

Emergency situations can occur during any procedure, regardless of the patient's condition or the complexity of the surgery. For this reason, emergency preparedness must be confirmed before the patient enters the operating room.

The crash cart should be immediately accessible and stocked according to local policy. Nurses should verify that emergency medications, airway supplies, and resuscitation equipment are present and within their expiry dates. The cart should never be blocked by furniture, equipment, or supply carts.

Difficult airway equipment should be available and easy to locate. Although anesthesia providers are primarily responsible for airway management, all perioperative team members should know where emergency airway supplies are kept and how to access them quickly.

Defibrillators should be readily accessible and tested according to local protocols. Battery charge, cables, pads, and accessories should be verified before the start of the operating list. Equipment failures discovered during an emergency can significantly delay treatment. Emergency access routes should remain unobstructed throughout room setup. Pathways used for patient transfer, emergency equipment movement, and staff access should be kept clear of cables, boxes, and unused equipment. Preparation for emergencies is not based on expecting complications. It is based on recognizing that when complications occur, there may be only seconds available to respond. Careful preparation before the patient arrives improves the team's ability to act quickly and effectively.

Although many operating room setup principles remain consistent across cases, no two procedures have exactly the same requirements. The perioperative nurse must ensure that the room setup corresponds to the planned surgery, anticipated patient needs, surgeon preferences, anesthesia requirements, and any special equipment demands. Failure to align the setup with the procedure can result in delays, workflow disruptions, equipment shortages, and patient safety risks.

Before beginning setup, the nurse should review the operating list, planned procedure, surgeon requirements, and any requests communicated by the surgical or anesthesia team. This review allows the nurse to identify specialized equipment, instruments, positioning devices, implants, imaging equipment, or additional supplies that may be required.

Different procedures may require different room layouts and equipment configurations. For example, laparoscopic procedures require video towers, monitors, insufflation equipment, and specialized instrument sets that would not be needed for many open procedures. Orthopedic procedures may require power equipment, traction devices, implants, and larger instrument inventories. Obstetric, neurosurgical, ophthalmic, and pediatric procedures each have unique setup considerations that should be anticipated before the patient arrives.

Patient positioning requirements should also be considered during planning. Some procedures require special positioning devices, arm boards, stirrups, headrests, gel pads, or pressure-relieving equipment. These items should be available, inspected, and positioned before patient arrival.

The nurse should also consider anticipated procedure duration. Longer procedures may require additional warming devices, fluid management equipment, padding, or backup supplies. Cases with a higher risk of blood loss may require rapid access to suction systems, blood administration equipment, or additional monitoring devices.

Elective procedures typically allow sufficient time for detailed planning and preparation. Equipment needs, surgeon preferences, instrument sets, and patient-specific requirements can usually be reviewed well in advance. Nurses should use this opportunity to verify all supplies, perform comprehensive equipment checks, and ensure that specialized equipment is available and functioning properly before the patient enters the room.

Because elective procedures are scheduled, there is often time to correct deficiencies before surgery begins. Missing equipment, incomplete instrument sets, or malfunctioning devices should be addressed before room readiness is declared.

Emergency procedures often require rapid room preparation and may occur with limited notice. While speed is important, patient safety standards should not be compromised. Nurses should focus on ensuring that critical systems are functional and immediately available.

Particular attention should be given to:

• Anesthesia equipment and oxygen supply
• Suction systems
• Emergency airway equipment
• Defibrillator availability
• Essential instrument sets
• Blood loss management equipment if indicated
• Backup power and utility systems

When time is limited, the team may need to prioritize equipment and supplies that are essential for immediate patient care while obtaining less critical items during the procedure. Clear communication between nursing, surgical, and anesthesia personnel becomes especially important during emergency preparation.

Operating room setup should always be individualized to the planned procedure, but adaptation must never compromise patient safety. Regardless of the type of surgery, the principles of sterility, equipment functionality, environmental readiness, emergency preparedness, and safe workflow remain constant.

Conclusion

A room that is properly matched to the procedure supports efficiency, reduces interruptions, improves teamwork, and contributes to safer patient care throughout the surgical experience.

Self-Assessment

Please complete the following: Planning the Setup of the Operating Room Quiz

Sterility must be preserved from the moment packs are transported into the OR until they are opened by the scrub nurse.

Nurses should begin by ensuring that unopened packs are stored in dry, dust-free, designated areas where the risk of moisture, pests, or accidental handling is minimal. Every sterile pack should be inspected for integrity—checking for punctures, dampness, tears in wrapping, and expiration dates—before being brought into the OR. A compromised pack, even if seemingly minor, must be considered contaminated and replaced.

In addition to inspecting the packaging itself, nurses should verify the external sterilization indicator according to local policy. Sterility indicators provide evidence that the pack has undergone the sterilization process. Missing, damaged, or abnormal indicators should be treated as a potential sterility concern and the item should not be used until the issue is resolved. Verification of sterilization indicators should occur before sterile items are introduced into the operating room setup.

When positioning unopened packs, nurses should prioritize ease of transfer to the scrub nurse. Packs should be placed in a way that minimizes unnecessary movement:

• Heavier items on stable surfaces within reach
• Lighter items arranged logically so they can be opened in sequence
• Packs are oriented so that they can be presented without twisting, reaching across the sterile field, or brushing against non-sterile surfaces.

This reduces contamination risk while supporting the scrub nurse’s efficiency in setting up the back table.

In addition, nurses must understand principles of sterile presentation. This includes opening packages away from oneself, ensuring the edges of wrappers do not touch the sterile field, and presenting instruments or drapes with smooth, deliberate movements. The scrub nurse’s workspace should remain uncluttered, so items can be handed over in a predictable order. By reducing variability, the entire team can anticipate the flow of setup, allowing for a calm, controlled preparation period.

Equally vital is the awareness that sterile handling principles are not just technical rules but part of the broader culture of infection prevention and professional accountability. Each nurse is responsible for advocating sterility, identifying breaches, and correcting unsafe practices—even if that means delaying setup briefly to retrieve a new pack. This vigilance is particularly essential in environments where postoperative infection carries greater risk due to limited antibiotics and critical care resources.

Self-assessment

Please complete the following: Sterile Handling Principles for Unopened Packs Quiz

Before a surgical procedure begins, nurses must ensure that every piece of equipment required for patient safety is present, functional, and ready for use. These checks should be done before the patient enters the room, ensuring no delays once anesthesia is initiated.

Function checks should start with OR lighting—testing intensity, focus, and adjustability to guarantee an unobstructed view of the operative site.

The OR table must also be tested for smooth movement, stability, and the ability to adjust into required positions without sudden drops or malfunction.

In addition to testing the operating table itself, nurses should verify that all patient positioning equipment required for the planned procedure is available and functioning properly. This includes arm boards, headrests, gel pads, positioning straps, stirrups, leg holders, and other specialized positioning devices.

Equipment should be inspected for cleanliness, stability, and signs of damage such as torn padding, frayed straps, loose attachments, or broken locking mechanisms. Positioning devices play an important role in preventing pressure injuries, nerve injuries, falls, and loss of surgical access during procedures.

The equipment selected should match the anticipated surgical position and patient needs. Verifying positioning equipment before patient arrival helps prevent delays and reduces the risk of injury during surgery.

The anesthesia machine deserves particular attention, as it is central to patient survival. Nurses should confirm gas supply lines are connected securely, verify oxygen and nitrous oxide cylinders as backups, and check vaporizers, flow meters, and breathing circuits for leaks.

Suction equipment must be tested for adequate negative pressure, tubing patency, and the presence of collection bottles.

The defibrillator should be powered on, charged, and checked with test shocks if local policy permits.

The diathermy unit must be tested with its grounding pad applied correctly to ensure safe function.

Many procedures require equipment beyond the operating table, anesthesia machine, suction equipment, and lighting systems. Auxiliary equipment may include electrosurgical units (ESU/diathermy), warming devices, infusion pumps, specialty imaging equipment, procedure-specific devices, and monitoring equipment.

All auxiliary equipment should be inspected before use. Cables should be intact, connectors secure, alarms functional, and equipment free of visible damage. Damaged electrical cables, loose connections, or malfunctioning alarms should be addressed before the patient enters the room.

Particular attention should be given to electrosurgical units. The grounding pad should be available and prepared according to local protocols. Nurses should consider the planned surgical site and patient factors when selecting an appropriate grounding pad location. Improper grounding pad placement may result in burns or ineffective electrosurgical performance.

Patient warming devices should also be tested before use.

Maintaining normal body temperature helps reduce perioperative complications and supports patient recovery. Specialty equipment required for specific procedures should be present, functional, and integrated into the room setup before surgery begins.

Many anesthesia-related emergencies occur unexpectedly. Therefore, nurses should also verify that difficult airway equipment is available and accessible according to local policy. Although anesthesia providers are primarily responsible for airway management, the perioperative team should know where emergency airway equipment is located and how it can be accessed quickly if needed.

Attention should also extend to power and gas supply reliability. In many low-resource environments, interruptions are common. Nurses must confirm that backup power sources (generators or battery-based UPS units) are available and operational. Gas cylinders should be secured, checked for pressure, and spares identified.

Backup systems should not only be present but should be verified according to local policy whenever possible. Assuming that backup equipment will function during an emergency can create a false sense of security.

The team should know how to access backup systems and whom to notify if deficiencies are identified. This foresight prevents intraoperative crises caused by power outages, equipment failures, or depleted gas supplies, which could place both patient and surgical team at risk.

Equipment checks are most effective when findings are communicated clearly to the surgical team.

If missing equipment, malfunctioning devices, supply shortages, substitutions, or safety concerns are identified, these issues should be communicated before room readiness is declared. The nurse should inform the appropriate team members, including the surgeon, anesthesia provider, charge nurse, or biomedical personnel according to local policy.

Particular attention should be given to safety-critical failures involving oxygen delivery systems, anesthesia equipment, suction systems, emergency equipment, backup power supplies, electrical safety systems, or sterility concerns. These issues should be escalated immediately.

Clear communication allows the team to address problems proactively rather than discovering them after the patient has entered the operating room.

Conclusion

Nurses should record all checks in the OR logbook. Documentation provides accountability and establishes a record of readiness that can be reviewed if complications occur. It also serves as a communication tool between shifts, ensuring continuity of safe practice. Performing preprocedure checks diligently reflects not only technical competence but also a commitment to professional standards that safeguard patient outcomes.

Self-assessment

Please complete the following: Pre-Procedure Equipment Function Checks Quiz

Once the surgical procedure is complete, the nurse’s role shifts immediately to decontamination and turnover.

• All reusable instruments must be handled according to infection control protocols: transported in closed containers, soaked in disinfectant if indicated, and sent to sterilization services.
• Nurses must ensure sharp instruments are handled with extreme care, using puncture-resistant containers to avoid injury.
• Anesthesia equipment such as masks, circuits, and tubing must also be either reprocessed or replaced according to institutional policies.

During post-procedure cleanup, nurses may discover equipment that is damaged, malfunctioning, incomplete, or unsafe for future use. These items should not simply be returned to storage.

Broken or defective equipment should be removed from service according to local policy and clearly identified to prevent accidental reuse. Where available, equipment should be tagged or labeled for repair, maintenance, or further inspection. Examples may include damaged instrument trays, malfunctioning suction equipment, faulty electrical cables, broken positioning devices, or equipment that failed functional testing during the procedure.

Prompt identification and reporting of equipment problems helps prevent recurrence and contributes to a safer operating environment for future patients.

At the same time, attention must be directed toward waste management protocols.

• Ensure sharp, infectious, and general waste streams are segregated into appropriate containers.
• Sharps boxes must never be overfilled, and infectious waste should be secured for safe transport to disposal areas.
• In settings where disposal systems are rudimentary, clear labeling and secure storage are critical to prevent accidental exposure. The discipline of waste segregation not only protects staff but also supports public health by minimizing environmental contamination.

Documentation is important, but communication should not rely on written records alone.

Significant equipment failures, missing items, sterility concerns, supply shortages, or safety issues identified during or after the procedure should be communicated to the appropriate personnel before the next case begins. Depending on local practice, this may include the charge nurse, operating room supervisor, biomedical personnel, sterilization services, anesthesia team, or surgical team.

Timely communication helps ensure that corrective action occurs before the next patient enters the operating room.

The OR environment itself must then be restored to a state of readiness for the next procedure. This involves:

• Wiping down surfaces
• Decontaminating suction bottles
• Ensuring the OR table and positioners are cleaned and reset
• Floor spills should be disinfected promptly
• Linen should be separated for laundering
• It should be verified that no instruments are left behind and that counts are documented accurately

A clean, orderly OR demonstrates professionalism and instills confidence in both surgical staff and patients.

The goal of post-procedure management extends beyond cleaning and waste disposal. The operating room should be restored to a safe, organized, and functional condition that supports the next stage of care.

Once cleaning, decontamination, waste management, and documentation have been completed, nurses should verify that equipment is appropriately stored, damaged items have been removed from service, supplies requiring replacement have been identified, and the room is left in an orderly condition.

Returning the room to a state of readiness supports efficient turnover, improves workflow, and contributes to patient safety for subsequent procedures.

Not every safety event results in patient harm. However, events that could have caused harm should still be reported according to local policy.

Examples of near misses include discovering an expired sterile pack before use, identifying malfunctioning equipment before patient contact, detecting an incomplete instrument set before surgery begins, or recognizing a sterility breach before contamination reaches the patient.

Near-miss reporting allows organizations to identify recurring problems, improve systems, and prevent future adverse events. Reporting should be viewed as an opportunity for improvement rather than blame.

Conclusion

Documenting all post-procedure tasks in the OR logbook ensures accountability and continuity. Any damaged equipment, missing items, or supply shortages should be noted and reported. By maintaining clear records, the OR team creates a cycle of continuous improvement, preventing recurrence of the same issues and ensuring that each procedure begins with a well-prepared environment.

Self-assessment

Please complete the following: Post-Procedure Operating Room Management Quiz

The interval between cases is a distinct phase of work that centers on resetting the OR environment for the next patient.

Unlike the more comprehensive preparation before the first case of the day, or the deeper decontamination after surgery, this turnover period involves restoring order and readiness in a targeted way. Tasks include clearing away used consumables, replacing patient positioning devices and table attachments to their neutral state, and removing soiled drapes and linens so that clean ones can be brought in. Waste bins should be emptied or exchanged, and suction bottles that have reached capacity should be replaced with fresh ones. This ensures the room returns to a functional baseline that is consistent and safe for the next procedure.

A second priority in this period is targeted preventive maintenance checks. Instead of full functional testing (which belongs to preprocedure setup), nurses should carry out focused inspections: ensuring electrical cords are intact, plugs are secure, oxygen and suction tubing are not leaking, and portable devices (warming units, infusion pumps, diathermy handpieces) are present and undamaged. These checks are especially valuable because issues often emerge during active use in the previous procedure and might otherwise go unnoticed until a critical moment.

Equally important is restocking and supply readiness. Nurses should use the OR master supply list as a reference point to replace PPE, sterile packs, drapes, linen, and waste containers. Where multiple procedures of the same type are scheduled, advance preparation of several instrument sets and drape bundles supports smoother transitions. Documentation of restocked items and any noted shortages should be made in the OR logbook to ensure accountability and support planning for subsequent cases.

Turnover periods are often when shortages become apparent. Nurses may discover depleted supplies, damaged equipment, incomplete instrument sets, or missing items while preparing for the next procedure.

Any shortages identified during turnover should be addressed as early as possible. Replacement items should be obtained before patient arrival whenever feasible. If substitutions are required, they should be evaluated to ensure that they provide the necessary function without compromising patient safety.

Safety-critical equipment and supplies should never be assumed to be available. Oxygen delivery systems, suction equipment, emergency airway equipment, sterile supplies, and other essential resources should be verified before the next case begins. If safe alternatives cannot be identified, concerns should be escalated according to local policy.

Finally, the turnover interval should conclude with a brief team readiness review. Even a short huddle provides an opportunity to clarify the next case’s requirements, highlight equipment that was damaged or substituted, and ensure that critical safety items (airway equipment, defibrillator, diathermy) remain in place. This collective check-in not only confirms technical readiness but also helps align the team for the safe and coordinated care of the incoming patient.

Turnover is also an important communication point between team members. Information identified during the previous procedure may directly affect preparation for the next case.

Nurses should communicate equipment failures, damaged items, missing supplies, substitutions, maintenance concerns, and any unresolved issues that require follow-up. This communication helps ensure that important information is not lost during shift changes, staff breaks, or transitions between cases.

Effective turnover communication supports patient safety by allowing the incoming team to begin the next procedure with a clear understanding of room readiness and any outstanding concerns.

Before the next patient enters the operating room, the nurse should perform a final readiness verification. This is not a full preprocedure equipment check, but rather a confirmation that turnover tasks have been completed successfully.

The room should be clean and organized, waste removed, supplies replenished, positioning devices reset, and critical equipment present and functional. Any identified deficiencies should be addressed or communicated before patient arrival.

A brief final verification helps ensure that turnover activities have achieved their purpose: returning the operating room to a safe, functional, and predictable state for the next procedure.

Conclusion

The turnover interval should conclude with a brief team readiness review. Even a short huddle provides an opportunity to clarify the next case’s requirements, highlight equipment that was damaged or substituted, and ensure that critical safety items (airway equipment, defibrillator, diathermy) remain in place. This collective check-in not only confirms technical readiness but also helps align the team for the safe and coordinated care of the incoming patient.

Self-assessment

Please complete the following: In Between Procedures Quiz

When resources are limited, perioperative nurses must balance safety with adaptability. Personnel shortages can be mitigated by role clarity: assigning essential responsibilities and reducing duplication. Circulating nurses may take on documentation or supply restocking, while scrub nurses may support positioning when safe to do so. Establishing clear priorities—ensuring anesthesia safety, sterility, and basic equipment function—helps guide decisions when not all tasks can be completed simultaneously.

When staffing is limited, not every task carries the same level of risk. Nurses should prioritize activities that directly affect patient safety, including maintenance of sterility, anesthesia support, airway management readiness, equipment functionality, patient positioning, and emergency preparedness.

Tasks that can safely be delayed should never take priority over safety-critical responsibilities. Clear communication among team members helps ensure that essential activities continue to be performed even when personnel are limited.

Cross-coverage may be necessary during shortages, but staff should only perform duties for which they have appropriate training, authorization, and competency.

In situations where equipment is scarce, nurses must apply principled improvisation. For example, if there is only one functional suction unit, it should be prioritized for the surgical field while anesthesia manages secretions manually. Missing or damaged trolleys may be substituted with disinfected tables arranged to approximate ergonomic layouts. Limited instrument sets require careful sequencing of use, with items cleaned and re-sterilized as soon as possible. By documenting these shortages and adaptations, nurses create transparency and encourage institutional solutions rather than unsafe shortcuts.

Adaptation is sometimes necessary, but not all substitutions are equally safe.

Healthcare teams working in resource-constrained environments often develop creative solutions to operational challenges. While adaptability is an important professional skill, nurses should remain vigilant against the gradual normalization of unsafe practices.

Temporary workarounds should not become permanent solutions without evaluation. Recurrent shortages, equipment failures, or staffing concerns should be reported through appropriate channels so that long-term corrective actions can be pursued.

Acceptable adaptations are those that preserve the intended function without increasing patient risk. Examples may include using an alternative work surface when a standard trolley is unavailable, reorganizing staff responsibilities during temporary personnel shortages, or using equivalent approved equipment when available.

Unsafe adaptations are those that compromise sterility, patient monitoring, emergency preparedness, oxygen delivery, suction capability, electrical safety, anesthesia support, or other essential safety systems. These adaptations should not be accepted simply because resources are limited.

Resource limitations should encourage thoughtful problem-solving, not lower standards for patient safety.

Some shortages can be managed safely, while others require escalation.

If critical equipment or supplies are unavailable and no safe alternative exists, concerns should be communicated immediately to the charge nurse, operating room supervisor, surgeon, anesthesia provider, biomedical personnel, or other appropriate leaders according to local policy.

Examples of situations that may require escalation include:

• No functional oxygen source available
• No functional suction system available
• Missing emergency airway equipment
• Inability to maintain sterility
• Critical equipment failures without safe alternatives
• Inadequate staffing to provide safe patient care

In some circumstances, delaying room readiness is safer than proceeding with unacceptable risk. The decision to delay should be communicated clearly and documented appropriately.

Shortages, substitutions, and workarounds should be documented according to local policy. Documentation helps create accountability, supports resource planning, and allows recurring problems to be identified.

Communication is equally important. The surgical team, anesthesia team, charge nurse, and other relevant personnel should be informed of significant shortages, substitutions, or limitations before the patient enters the operating room.

Transparency allows the team to make informed decisions and reduces the likelihood of unexpected problems during surgery.

Self-assessment

Please complete the following: Adjusting to Personnel or Equipment Shortages Quiz

Setting Up the Operating Room - Cumulative Assessment

Please complete the following: Setting Up the Operating Room Cumulative Quiz