How many patients does a peri-op circulator typically handle?

In a perioperative setting, the role of a circulator is crucial for the smooth operation of surgical procedures. The circulator is responsible for managing the overall environment of the surgical suite, ensuring that all necessary equipment and supplies are available, and facilitating communication among the surgical team.

When it comes to the number of patients a perioperative circulator typically handles, it is generally one patient at a time. This is because the circulator is focused on that specific patient's surgical case from the moment they enter the operating room until they are transferred to recovery. This allows for a high level of attention to detail and care, as the circulator must ensure that all protocols are followed, that the patient's safety is prioritized, and that their needs are met throughout the procedure.

Managing multiple patients simultaneously would spread the circulator's attention too thin and could compromise patient safety and the efficiency of the operating room. Therefore, focusing on a single patient allows the circulator to effectively coordinate the procedure and respond to any immediate needs that may arise during surgery.