The staff RN is assigned to an operation with an operating room LPN. The physician employs another RN who will be first assistant for the operation. What role will the staff RN play?

Question

a. Scrub nurse
b. Anesthesiologist
c. Circulating nurse
d. Technician

Answer 1

C
The staff RN will act in the role of circulating nurse, which can be performed only by an RN. A physician acts as anesthesiologist, although an RN with advanced education (CRNA) could administer anesthesia. However, an RN could act as the CRNA; but the nurse in the question is not identified as a CRNA. Because only an RN can act as circulating nurse, the roles of scrub nurse or technician would be assigned to the LPN.