To minimize costs during an abdominal hysterectomy on a 300 lb. patient, which items should the surgical technologist hold?

In an abdominal hysterectomy, particularly for a patient with a significant body weight, it is crucial to be prepared with the necessary items for both initial incision and closure. The selection of surgical tools and materials can greatly influence the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the procedure.

Holding a closing suture is essential since closure will be performed after the hysterectomy. The 11 knife blade is frequently used for making incisions, thus making it a critical item for the initial phase of the surgery. Holding extra Raytec sponges is also prudent because they are often used for hemostasis and to assist in maintaining a clean surgical field. Consequently, the presence of these items aligns with the need to manage both the operative and closure aspects seamlessly.

The other options do not include an appropriate combination of essential items for this type of surgery. For instance, holding needles without a closing suture might lead to delays as the medical team would have to obtain these materials later in the procedure. Similarly, not having an 11 knife blade readily available could compromise the pace at which initial incisions are made.