Explanation should include identifying the patient and addressing legal, ethical, and safety issues associated with the preoperative checklist, pertinent laboratory results, and other documentation and the patient’s operative consent.
Process/Skill Questions:
- Why is a patient’s signed operative consent form important prior to surgery? What options are available in cases in which the patient is not capable of giving written consent?
- What preoperative documentation is always essential? What other types of preoperative documentation may be important in certain situations?
- What ethical issues may arise with a surgical procedure? What legal issues may arise? Why must the surgical technologist stay current on ethical and legal issues related to surgery?
- What is informed consent?