During an intra-operative cardiac arrest resuscitation, which responsibility falls on the CST?

In the context of intra-operative cardiac arrest, the responsibility of maintaining sterility of all items within the sterile field is crucial for several reasons. The sterile field is established to prevent infections during surgery; thus, any break in sterility can lead to postoperative complications, including surgical site infections. During resuscitation efforts, the surgical team must remain vigilant to ensure that the sterile environment is upheld even during emergency procedures.

This task requires the surgical technologist (CST) to pay close attention to the placement and handling of instruments and supplies, ensuring that they are not contaminated in the heat of the moment. Maintaining sterility allows for continuity of care post-resuscitation, enabling the surgical team to proceed with any necessary surgical interventions without the added risk of infection.

While monitoring vital signs and coordinating with the anesthesiologist are important roles, they typically fall under the purview of other team members, such as the anesthesiology team or the surgeon. Administering medications is a function specifically assigned to certain licensed professionals and does not typically encompass the responsibilities of a CST during a cardiac arrest scenario. Therefore, maintaining sterility is the clear and critical duty of the CST in this context.