What should I do if I notice a surgeon has dropped an instrument?

Let the team know as it may need to be replaced as well as included in the closing counts of your case.

If you are the scrub nurse, notify your circulator. If you are the circulator, you will retrieve the dropped instrument, take it to Sterile processing if it is needed for the case, or place it in a safe area . You would also indicate it is off the field in your instrument count if required. Hopefully the facility has extra instruments in separate peel packs or trays should you need an immediate replacement.