What should be ensured about the surgical instruments before initiating the surgical procedure?

Ensuring that all instruments are sterile and function properly before initiating a surgical procedure is crucial for patient safety and the success of the surgery. Sterility is the primary defense against postoperative infections, so all instruments must be properly sterilized according to standardized protocols. This reduces the risk of introducing pathogens into the surgical site.

In addition to sterility, the functionality of each instrument is essential. Malfunctioning instruments can lead to complications during surgery, prolong procedures, and may necessitate the use of alternative, less desirable methods. By confirming that each instrument is both sterile and in good working order, the surgical team maintains a high standard of care and minimizes risks associated with surgical procedures.

While the presence of only essential instruments, the use of covers until the procedure begins, and labeling instruments with counts are all valid practices, they do not directly address the primary concern of preventing infections and ensuring the instruments will perform adequately during surgery. Thus, verifying the sterility and functionality of surgical instruments takes precedence in the preparation process.