Upon discovering that sterilized instruments are not functioning properly, what is the recommended action?

When sterilized instruments are discovered to be malfunctioning, notifying the surgical team immediately is crucial for maintaining patient safety and ensuring that proper protocols are followed. This action allows for quick assessment and intervention to prevent any potential harm to the patient due to faulty instruments during a surgical procedure.

It's essential that the surgical team is made aware of the issue so they can make informed decisions about the procedure, including whether to continue with the current instruments or to acquire replacements as needed. Communication in the operating room is vital for managing risks effectively and ensuring optimal outcomes.

Options that suggest attempting to fix the instruments, documenting the issue after the procedure, or retaining the instruments for future use would not be appropriate in this scenario, as they could lead to compromised patient safety and inadequate responses to the malfunctioning tools.