Watching a Patient Go to Recovery

In practice

The case, an open bowel resection, is finished. At the sign-out, the circulating nurse confirms the procedure performed, which expanded slightly from the plan; Sam, the scrub person, confirms the counts are correct; the specimen label is read aloud; and Sam reports that one suction tip clogged repeatedly, so the equipment can be checked. The surgeon and anesthesia provider review concerns for recovery: there was moderate blood loss, and the patient is older and at risk of confusion after anesthesia. The dressings and drain are in place. During the move to the stretcher, Sam holds the drain tubing. In the recovery area, the circulating nurse gives the handoff report: the patient's identity and allergies, the procedure performed, the anesthesia, the moderate blood loss, the drain and its location, the dressing, the fluids given, and the risk of delirium. The recovery nurse asks about the drain's expected output, and the circulating nurse answers. Before the move, Sam had confirmed the drain was secured and the dressing intact, and had told the circulating nurse where the drain sat, so the report would be accurate. Sam returns to the room to begin breaking down the field, keeping sharps contained until they are disposed of.