What Is the Client Care Procedure in the Operating Room?

Inside the operating room, a vigilant and dynamic team of professionals works together to ensure that a client--the patient--experiences a safe and comfortable surgery.

Preoperative

• Some of the most important components of client care occur before the operation begins. The Universal Protocol, which became mandatory in 2004, dictates that surgical site marking and pre-procedure verification happen in the pre-op setting. In the operating room, either before or after administration of the anesthetic and prepping of the patient, all members of the surgical team participate in a "time-out" procedure. This identifies the patient by comparing the consent to the ID bracelet, confirming the surgical procedure and intended anatomic site and reviewing allergies protect the client from medical errors.

Intraoperative

• During the procedure, all members of the team carry out functions with skill and care. Surgeons perform only the procedures explicitly agreed to by the patient, while anesthesiologists administer agents to ensure patient comfort and good surgical conditions. The nurses and technicians assist and confirm these goals.

Postoperative

• The client transfers to the recovery unit after surgery only after the team has assured his safety by monitoring vital signs. The operating personnel then communicate the relevant details of the patient's history and surgical procedure with the recovery nurses to conclude their portion of the patient's care.