Preoperative Patient Preparation Flashcards

During the preoperative Time Out, which element is NOT required per the Universal Protocol?

Answer: Surgeon's board certification

The Universal Protocol Time Out verifies patient identity, procedure, and site — not the surgeon's credentials.

A patient with a history of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) requires which preoperative measure?

Answer: Avoidance of triggering agents and preparation of dantrolene

MHS patients require avoidance of volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine, with dantrolene immediately available for treatment.

Which preoperative intervention is most important to prevent surgical site infections (SSI)?

Answer: Appropriate timing of prophylactic antibiotics within 60 minutes before incision

Prophylactic antibiotics administered within 60 minutes before incision significantly reduce SSI risk, per evidence-based guidelines.

An ASA Class IV patient is best described as having:

Answer: Severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life

ASA Class IV patients have severe systemic disease that poses a constant threat to life, such as end-stage organ failure.

Which preoperative assessment finding requires immediate notification to the anesthesia team and surgeon before proceeding?

Answer: Blood glucose of 380 mg/dL in a diabetic patient

Severely elevated blood glucose (380 mg/dL) indicates poor diabetic control and increases infection and healing risks, warranting provider notification.

The purpose of a preoperative bowel prep before colorectal surgery is primarily to:

Answer: Decrease bacterial load and fecal contamination risk

Mechanical bowel prep reduces fecal bacteria and decreases the risk of peritoneal contamination if bowel is entered during surgery.

Which document must be reviewed to confirm a patient has designated a healthcare proxy before an elective procedure?

Answer: Advance directive or healthcare proxy document

The advance directive or healthcare proxy document legally designates who can make medical decisions if the patient becomes incapacitated.