Pre-operative Patient Preparation
Category: Perioperative Care
Overview
Comprehensive preparation of patients for surgical procedures including physical preparation, patient education, and documentation.
Indications
All patients scheduled for surgical procedures, emergency surgery preparation, same-day surgery admissions.
Contraindications
Patient refusal, medical instability requiring immediate intervention, lack of informed consent.
Equipment Needed
Pre-operative checklist, patient identification bands, surgical site marking materials, pre-operative medications, patient gowns.
Procedure Steps
1. Verify patient identity using two identifiers
2. Confirm surgical procedure and site with patient
3. Ensure informed consent is signed
4. Complete pre-operative checklist
5. Verify NPO status and last intake
6. Remove jewelry, makeup, nail polish, dentures
7. Ensure surgical site is marked if applicable
8. Administer pre-operative medications as ordered
9. Insert IV catheter if not already present
10. Ensure patient voids before surgery
11. Document all preparations completed
12. Transfer patient to surgical suite
Safety Considerations
Verify correct patient, procedure, and site. Ensure allergies are documented. Confirm NPO status. Check for loose teeth or dental work. Ensure all metal objects are removed.
Potential Complications
Wrong patient/procedure/site surgery, aspiration from inadequate NPO, allergic reactions, anxiety, medication errors.
Documentation
Complete pre-operative checklist, document all preparations, medications given, patient response, and transfer to OR.
References
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses. (2021). Guidelines for Perioperative Practice. The Joint Commission Universal Protocol.