# A circulating nurse leads the final time-out for an operative procedure. Complete the safety sequence. > source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr) > url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=393372&lang=en > language: en > subject: Accident/Error/Injury Prevention > category: SIPC ## Question A circulating nurse leads the final time-out for an operative procedure. Complete the safety sequence. The final time-out occurs ::선택::after the incision is madeimmediately before the procedure begins or the incision is madeduring recovery. It includes ::선택::only the circulating nursethe immediate members of the procedure teamonly the surgeon and client. The team actively confirms ::선택::the correct client, site, and procedurethe client's discharge date and meal preferencethe billing code and visitor list. If a discrepancy remains, the team ::선택::proceeds while one person investigatesstops and resolves the conflict before proceedingdocuments the conflict after the procedure. ## Explanation The final time-out occurs immediately before the invasive procedure begins or the incision is made. It includes the immediate procedure-team members and requires active confirmation of the correct client, site, and procedure. A discrepancy is a stop signal: do not proceed until the information is reconciled and the team agrees on the correct plan. Completion is documented according to organizational policy. ## In-depth explanation Quick answer Pause immediately before incision, involve the immediate procedure team, actively verify the correct client, site, and procedure, and stop until any discrepancy is resolved. Why this is correct The time-out is the final shared check before an invasive procedure starts. Effective participation means that relevant team members stop other activity and confirm the same information rather than relying on one person's announcement or silence. Easy analogy or mental picture Treat the time-out like a red traffic light with a checklist. The light turns green only after every conflicting signal has been reconciled. Memory hook Right client. Right site. Right procedure. Any mismatch means stop. NCLEX decision rule Place the final time-out at the last safe moment before incision, include the immediate team, use active communication, and never continue through an unresolved identity, site, procedure, implant, or consent discrepancy. Why the other choices are wrong Completing the check after incision is too late. A nurse-only check is not the team time-out, and silence is not active participation. Proceeding while documents conflict defeats the purpose of the Universal Protocol. Source 1Joint Commission Universal Protocol FAQ 2Joint Commission Right Patient, Right Care Goal 32026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan ## Clinical scenario The client has been identified and the operative site was marked when required. The surgeon, anesthesia professional, circulating nurse, and scrub personnel are present. The consent lists the left knee, but a document displayed in the room lists the right knee. ## Key concepts - **Final time-out** — A standardized pause immediately before an invasive procedure or incision to verify essential safety information with the immediate team. - **Universal Protocol** — A Joint Commission framework using preprocedure verification, site marking when required, and a final time-out to prevent wrong-person, wrong-site, and wrong-procedure events. - **Active participation** — Direct engagement by procedure-team members in confirming information and resolving discrepancies rather than relying on passive silence. ## Related questions - [Review the client's changing fall risk during the shift and select the prevention plan tha…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=393501&lang=en) - [An older adult who is confused at night repeatedly tries to get out of bed without assista…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=393729&lang=en) - [A client begins having a generalized seizure while in bed. 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