What action should be taken immediately after the surgical scrub is completed?

The appropriate action immediately after completing the surgical scrub is to don a sterile gown. The surgical scrub is an essential step in maintaining aseptic technique, which is crucial for preventing infection during procedures. After scrubbing, the surgical team must ensure that they continue to maintain sterility when preparing for the surgery. Putting on a sterile gown serves to protect both the patient and the surgical team by keeping the surgical area free from contaminants.

This step is critical because the sterile gown provides a barrier against bacteria and other pathogens that might be present in the operating room. Once the sterile gown is on, the surgical team can proceed with additional tasks, such as putting on sterile gloves and masks, but these are steps that typically follow the gowning process for optimal infection control.