Preoperative Preparation of a Patient

Procedure

1. Confirm the operation, the site and the side against the consent form and the theatre list.
2. Check the consent is signed, dated and informed, and that the patient can explain the operation.
3. Confirm the fasting time — usually six hours for solids and two for clear fluids — and place a nil by mouth sign.
4. Check that investigations are complete and filed: full blood count, sickling, grouping and cross-match, and any imaging.
5. Record a full set of baseline observations, weight and allergy status.
6. Confirm which regular drugs are to be given or withheld, and that pre-medication is prescribed.
7. Prepare the skin as ordered, using clippers rather than a razor, and bathe the patient.
8. Remove jewellery, dentures, prostheses, nail varnish and hairpins, and hand valuables to the relative or ward safe.
9. Dress in a theatre gown, apply the identity band and any marking, and ask the patient to empty the bladder.
10. Complete the pre-operative checklist with a second nurse before the patient leaves the ward.
11. Escort with the folder, imaging, consent form and cross-matched blood, and hand over to the theatre nurse.