What complication should a CST report if they notice a break in asepsis caused by the surgeon?

Reporting a break in asepsis during a surgical procedure is a critical responsibility of the surgical team, particularly for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). When a CST notices a break in asepsis caused by the surgeon, the most appropriate course of action is to alert the surgeon and take steps to correct the break.

This action is essential for maintaining patient safety and minimizing the risk of infection. Aseptic technique is designed to prevent contamination, and any breach can lead to serious complications, including surgical site infections. Alerting the surgeon allows for immediate assessment and correction of the situation, which is vital in the intraoperative environment.

While documentation and informing the nursing staff are important protocols in surgery, they should occur after immediate action is taken to rectify the aseptic breach. Continuing with the procedure without addressing the break in asepsis poses a significant risk to the patient, as it could lead to adverse outcomes due to potential contamination. Therefore, the responsibility of the CST is to ensure that aseptic principles are upheld, prioritizing the safety and health of the patient above all else.