When preparing a patient for IONM, how should wires be positioned?

When preparing a patient for intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM), the proper positioning of wires is crucial for both safety and efficiency. Wires should be directed away from the sterile field to minimize the risk of contamination. Keeping wires away from the sterile area helps maintain a sterile environment, which is essential in preventing surgical site infections and ensuring patient safety.

This practice also helps prevent the wires from interfering with the surgical team’s workflow and reduces the likelihood of accidentally pulling on them, which could lead to disconnections or equipment malfunctions during the procedure. Having the wires oriented away from the sterile field allows for easier management of the cables, creating a safer and more organized environment in the operating room.

Other options, such as positioning wires directly in the sterile field or directing them towards it, could increase contamination risk or obstruct the surgical team's ability to work effectively. Coiling wires, while potentially useful in some contexts, does not address the critical concern of maintaining sterility and could lead to tangling or confusion during the procedure.