Who leads the surgical timeout, and what is checked during it?

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Multiple Choice

Who leads the surgical timeout, and what is checked during it?

Leading the surgical timeout is the circulating nurse. The timeout is a brief, coordinated pause before incision to verify safety-critical details with the whole team. The circulating nurse initiates the timeout and ensures that all required team members are present and able to participate, then confirms key items: the patient’s identity, the planned procedure, the correct surgical site, and the implants or devices needed for the case. This collaborative check helps catch any mismatches or missing equipment before the operation begins. The anesthesiologist and surgeon participate actively, but the leader responsible for organizing and confirming these details is the circulating nurse.

Leading the surgical timeout is the circulating nurse. The timeout is a brief, coordinated pause before incision to verify safety-critical details with the whole team. The circulating nurse initiates the timeout and ensures that all required team members are present and able to participate, then confirms key items: the patient’s identity, the planned procedure, the correct surgical site, and the implants or devices needed for the case. This collaborative check helps catch any mismatches or missing equipment before the operation begins. The anesthesiologist and surgeon participate actively, but the leader responsible for organizing and confirming these details is the circulating nurse.

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