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C S Ts A N D C S F A s I N T H E S U R G I C A L E N V I R O N M E N T
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Surgeons, the surgical first assistant provides aid in exposure,
hemostasis and other technical functions that will help the
surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for
the patient. These functions include, but are not limited
to, positioning of the patient, suturing and closure of body
planes and skin, and the application of wound dressings.
CSTS AND CSFAS ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE
IN CASE MANAGEMENT.
The CST is responsible for three phases of surgical patient
care, or surgical case management, with minimal direction or
supervision from other surgical team members. Some duties
of the CST in each phase of case management include:
Preoperative Case Management
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Scrubbing and donning sterile gown and gloves
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Gathering necessary equipment and supplies
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Opening sterile supplies
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Donning personal protective equipment
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Organizing the sterile field for use
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Counting necessary items
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Assisting team members during entry
to the sterile field
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Exposing the operative site with sterile drapes
Intraoperative Case Management
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Passing instrumentation, equipment and supplies to
the surgeon and surgical assistant
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Preparing and handling pharmaceuticals
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Predicting needs of the patient and surgeon and
preparing necessary items
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Counting necessary items
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Caring for specimens
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Applying dressings
Postoperative Case Management
▲
Maintaining the sterile field until the patient is
transported
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Removing used instruments, equipment and supplies
following use
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Preparing the OR for the next patient