General Nursing (RGN)
PRE-OPERATIVE PREPARATION OF A PATIENT
This is the care given to patients before a surgical procedure. The nurse/midwife has a role to ensure that the patient is physically, psychologically and physiologically fit for the intended procedure.
Purpose
- Relieve patient's anxiety
- Ensure successful operation
- Prevent complications after surgery
Indications
- Scheduled/elective surgical procedure
- Emergency surgical procedure requiring pre-operative preparation
- Surgical procedures requiring preparation of an operative site
- Procedures requiring transfer to theatre
Equipment
- A trolley containing the following:
- Vital signs tray
- Theatre gown
- Name tag
- Mackintosh and dressing towel
- Sterile gauze in a gallipot
- Antiseptic solution
- Bowl of water
- Soap and sponge
- Sterile drape
- Adhesive strip
- Urinal/bedpan
Procedure steps
- Confirm the type of surgical procedure and site against physician/doctor's order
- Establish rapport with patient (Refer to steps)
- Prepare and send trolley to bedside
- Provide privacy
- Ask patient to empty bladder/bowel
- Place patient into a desirable position
- Expose the site to be prepared
- Protect the bed clothes with a mackintosh and dressing towel
- Wear gloves
- Wash the area with mild soap and water
- Dry and clean area with antiseptic lotion
- Cover area with sterile drape and secure it in position with adhesive strapping
- Dress patient with a clean theatre gown
- Label and apply the name tag as per facility's protocol
- Remove accessories and dentures if any
- Check and record vital signs
- Assist patient to sign the consent form as per facility's protocol
- Confirm if all laboratory results, items for surgery and medications are ready for the procedure
- Dispose off used items and decontaminate trolley
- Perform hand hygiene
- Give prescribed pre-medication when patient is ready for the theatre
- Send patient to the theater either on a stretcher or wheelchair
- Hand over patient, medical records and items to the theater staff
- Document procedure in the appropriate notes (manual/electronic)
- Prepare an operation bed to receive the patient
Precautions
- Verify patient identity, procedure and operative site before preparation
- Confirm that informed consent requirements have been completed according to facility policy
- Check allergies, fasting status, required investigations and other pre-operative requirements
- Verify prescribed medications and pre-medications before administration
- Maintain privacy, dignity and standard infection-prevention precautions
- Check and record vital signs and report abnormal findings before theatre transfer
- Manage dentures, jewellery and other removable items according to facility and anaesthetic policy
- Ensure safe transportation and complete handover with the patient's records
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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