What information is the surgical technologist responsible for reporting to the circulator for documentation in the operating room record?

The surgical technologist plays a crucial role in the operating room, particularly when it comes to ensuring that all necessary information is accurately documented in the patient's operative record. Among the various pieces of information that can be reported, the amount of contrast used during a procedure is particularly significant.

This detail is vital for several reasons. First, it can influence patient management post-operatively, especially for patients who may have had reactions to contrast agents in the past. Comprehensive documentation of the contrast used ensures that all healthcare providers involved in the patient's care are aware of the specific substances administered during the procedure, which can help prevent complications and ensure continuity of care. Additionally, this information is essential for clinical audits, research, and quality control within surgical practices.

While factors like the patient's weight and the time of surgery are also important, they may not hold the same level of immediate relevance to the surgical procedure's specific context or complication management as the amount of contrast used. The surgeon's preference card serves more as a guideline for technique and equipment rather than immediate operative data that must be recorded during the surgery. Thus, the documentation of the amount of contrast used stands out as critical information that the surgical technologist is responsible for sharing with the circulator, affirming its importance in