This section focuses on a number of important procedures relating to the correct preparation of the patient for surgery, and follows both a thorough patient assessment and the administration of pre-medication drugs.
One of the major considerations is the preparation of the patient's skin where the surgical incision will be created, referred to as the surgical site. In addition to preparing the surgical site, other considerations, such as placement of an IV catheter, urinary bladder expression and techniques for identifying patients that have had surgery (e.g. ear notching), will be covered.