For a carotid endarterectomy, how should the surgical technologist prep the patient after being rushed by the surgeon?

For a carotid endarterectomy, the surgical technologist must ensure a thorough and sterile preparation of the surgical site to prevent infection. The use of the Duraprep stick is significant because it provides an antiseptic barrier that can effectively disinfect the skin while minimizing moisture, which is crucial in maintaining a sterile environment.

Placing towels around the expected incision site is essential for maintaining a sterile field and protecting the surrounding areas from contamination during the procedure. This creates a clear boundary that helps to keep the sterile instruments and the surgical field uncontaminated by surrounding non-sterile areas.

In this context, the choice to use the Duraprep stick for prepping aligns with the need to quickly prepare the patient under time constraints typically associated with emergencies, like those often encountered in carotid endarterectomy cases. Quick and effective preparation is critical, and this method supports the urgency without compromising sterility.

Other options may offer effective antiseptic measures but are less suitable in scenarios requiring a rapid setup. They may not optimize the combination of antiseptic application and sterile draping as effectively as the chosen method, which directly addresses the needs of urgency, sterility, and procedural efficiency in a surgical setting.