Which statement regarding cell phone use in the operating room is false?

The assertion that the FDA prohibits the use of mobile devices in the operating room is incorrect. While many hospitals implement policies that restrict the use of personal mobile devices in surgical settings to minimize distractions and safeguard against contamination, there is no outright prohibition from the FDA itself. The FDA has provided guidance on the use of electronic devices in medical environments, emphasizing safety rather than implementing a blanket ban.

On the other hand, cell phones can indeed pose risks in an operating room, such as being a potential source of bacterial contamination due to their frequent handling and proximity to sterile environments. They can also generate electromagnetic interference, which might disrupt medical equipment functioning. Additionally, cell phone use can distract healthcare personnel from focusing entirely on the surgical procedure, leading to potential complications. These points reinforce the importance of carefully regulating mobile device use in medical settings, while the lack of a strict FDA prohibition allows for flexible policies tailored to individual institutions.