Preoperative & Postoperative Patient Care Flashcards

Which document must be completed and signed by the patient before a surgical procedure can legally proceed?

Answer: Informed consent form

An informed consent form must be signed by the patient (or legal guardian) before surgery, confirming the patient understands the procedure, risks, and alternatives.

A patient is scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia. What is the standard NPO (nothing by mouth) guideline for clear liquids prior to elective surgery?

Answer: 2 hours

Current ASA guidelines allow clear liquids up to 2 hours before elective procedures under general anesthesia to reduce aspiration risk.

During the preoperative assessment, the surgical technologist notes the patient is taking warfarin. What is the primary concern with this medication in the perioperative period?

Answer: Increased bleeding risk

Warfarin is an anticoagulant that inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, significantly increasing the risk of intraoperative and postoperative bleeding.

Which preoperative skin preparation method is considered most effective for reducing surgical site infection (SSI)?

Answer: Chlorhexidine gluconate with alcohol

Chlorhexidine gluconate with alcohol (CHG-alcohol) is the preferred skin antiseptic for surgical site preparation due to its persistent antimicrobial activity and broad-spectrum efficacy.

The surgical technologist is performing a preoperative patient identification check. According to The Joint Commission, how many patient identifiers must be used?

Answer: Two

The Joint Commission requires a minimum of two patient identifiers (such as name and date of birth) before any procedure to prevent wrong-patient errors.

Which phase of the surgical experience begins when the patient enters the operating room and ends when the patient is transferred to the PACU?

Answer: Intraoperative phase

The intraoperative phase encompasses the period from the patient's arrival in the OR through the completion of surgery and transfer to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

A patient reports a latex allergy during preoperative assessment. What is the priority intervention?

Answer: Notify the entire surgical team and prepare a latex-free environment

A latex allergy requires immediate notification of the entire surgical team and creation of a latex-free environment to prevent potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.