Module 1: Pre-Operative Assessment 

🎯 Module Objectives 

1. Describe essential components of the preoperative assessment. 
2. Communicate effectively with the surgical patient and caregivers using appropriate direct and clear questions. 
3. Acquire information from patient assessment to determine if the patient is prepared for the surgical procedure. 
4.  Collaborate with the perioperative team to ensure the patient is ready for surgery. 
5.  Establish rapport with the surgical patient and caregivers. 
6. Validate the effectiveness of the first stage of the Surgical Safety Checklist – the briefing – in providing safe surgery. 

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📖 Required Readings 

ORNAC standards 2021
3-7 to 3-18

ORNAC Standards 2023
3.1 – 3.4 (3-1)

AORN Periop 101 video
CineMed Video #1982: Perioperative Patient Assessment: Developing a Plan of Care (2017)

Alexander’s care of the patient in surgery
16th Ed. 19-25 (start at The World Health Organization); 109-110 (start at Preoperative Preparation)
17th Ed. 20-24 (start at The World Health Organization); 105-106 (start at Preoperative Preparation)

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Introduction 

This module covers the preparation and planning that perioperative nurses undergo before a patient can be brought into the operating room for elective surgery. To ensure that the patient is as prepared for surgery as possible, many tests and evaluations must be performed. Also, members of the perioperative team and other allied health professionals hold discussions to make certain the patient is optimized and ready for surgery. On the day of surgery, the circulating nurse reviews all the workup documents and assessments to ensure all team members agree and are prepared for the patient to come to the OR. It is now that rapport is developed with the patient and their caregivers, family members and/or support person.