In this area, the child will change into a gown and the preoperative nurses will review their medical history and also complete a quick physical exam. The physical exam will include monitoring and recording things such as temperature, blood pressure, height, weight, and listening to the patient’s heart and lungs
Specific surgeries may require that the child receive a bath in the preoperative area. This bath helps reduce the risk of infection. Nursing staff will use warmed, wet cloths (similar to diaper wipes) to clean the patient’s skin. A video detailing the preoperative bath using chlorohexadine wipes is available on this page for patients and families to view.
Female patients who have begun menstruating will be asked to provide a urine sample in the preoperative area.
A member from the anesthesia team and the surgical team, both of whom will be with the patient throughout the entire surgery, will greet and introduce themselves to the patient and family.
Team members might ask questions like:
- Does the patient have any allergies?
- In your words, what are we doing today?
- When was the last time you ate or drank anything?
A UH Case Medical Center surgical team member will officially review the surgery and ask the patient to sign a consent form, which allows the team to continue with the procedure.
The surgeon will explain the procedure and offer the patient and family members the opportunity to ask any questions they might have.
- The parent or guardian will be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is not clear.
- Notify the surgeon if the patient is sensitive to or allergic to any medications, latex, iodine, tape, contrast dyes, and anesthetic agents (local or general).
- Notify the staff of all medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that the patient is taking. Please bring a list of all these medications.