Surgery - pt. 3

	When the surgeon is ready to begin the operation, the patient is anesthetized.  The circulating nurse should be readily available to assist the anesthesia personnel if needed.
	Once the anesthesia personnel gives permission, the patient is placed in the appropriate position for the procedure.  Positioning is the responsibility of the circulating nurse and the anesthesia personnel.  The surgeon often supervises difficult positions.
	The circulating nurse may insert a foley catheter, exposes the operative site, and performs the skin prep.  On an abdominal hysterectomy the circulating nurse will also prep the cervix.  If an electrosurgical unit (ESU) is used, the grounding pad should be placed on the patient at this time.
	The circulator activates the overhead spot lights.
	The lights are then moved into position over the operative field by the circulator.

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