Title: Explain the importance of the patient’s operative consent, the preoperative checklist, and other preoperative documentation, as appropriate.
Course: Surgical Technologist II (14056--II) > Section: Demonstrating Preoperative Procedures

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?