Perioperative Care: Pre-Op Through PACU

Pre-operative priorities include verifying informed consent is signed (obtained by the provider, witnessed by the nurse), confirming NPO status per the ordered timeframe, reviewing allergies and current medications (some, like anticoagulants or certain diabetes medications, may need to be held per specific orders before surgery), and completing a pre-operative checklist that includes removing jewelry, dentures, and documenting baseline vital signs.