Upon receiving medications onto the sterile field, what is the first task the CST must perform?

When medications arrive onto the sterile field, the first task the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) must perform is to label all medications. Proper labeling is critical to ensure safety and prevent errors during a surgical procedure. By labeling, the CST provides clear identification of each medication, which helps the surgical team to easily recognize them and avoid administering the wrong medication.

Labeling also includes noting the concentration and any special instructions related to the medication, which can be vital in a fast-paced operating room setting. It is essential for maintaining an organized and effective workflow during surgery, enhancing communication among the surgical team, and ensuring that each team member is aware of what medications are in use.

While checking expiration dates and administering medications are important tasks, they follow the initial step of labeling. Storing medications is also necessary but occurs after the medications have been appropriately labeled. Thus, proper labeling of medications is a foundational practice in maintaining patient safety and supporting efficient surgical operations.