PRE-OPERATIVE PREPARATION OF A PATIENT

REQUIREMENTS #

1. 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
2. Consent form
3. Pre-medication as ordered
4. Patient’s medical records (Manual or electronic)

STEPS #

1. Confirm the type of surgical procedure and site against physician/doctor’s order
2. Establish rapport with patient (Refer to steps)
3. Prepare and send trolley to bedside
4. Provide privacy
5. Ask patient to empty bladder/bowel
6. Place patient into a desirable position
7. Expose the site to be prepared
8. Protect the bed clothes with a mackintosh and dressing towel
9. Wear gloves
10. Wash the area with mild soap and water
11. Dry and clean area with antiseptic lotion
12. Cover area with sterile drape and secure it in position with adhesive strapping
13. Dress patient with a clean theatre gown
14. Label and apply the name tag as per facility’s protocol
15. Remove accessories and dentures if any
16. Check and record vital signs
17. Assist patient to sign the consent form as per facility’s protocol
18. Confirm if all laboratory results, items for surgery and medications are ready for the procedure
19. Dispose off used items and decontaminate trolley
20. Perform hand hygiene
21. Give prescribed pre-medication when patient is ready for the theatre
22. Send patient to the theater either on a stretcher or wheelchair
23. Hand over patient, medical records and items to the theater staff
24. Document procedure in the appropriate notes (manual/electronic)
25. Prepare an operation bed to receive the patient