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Can a licensed practical nurse (LPN) mark a surgical site?

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Final answer:

Typically, the surgeon is responsible for marking the surgical site, but the LPN may assist with preoperative checks to ensure patient safety and that all necessary precautions and confirmations are in place.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the role of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in marking a surgical site before a procedure. The surgical safety checklist involves various steps where multiple health professionals confirm the patient's identity, the surgical procedure, allergies, and other critical information before the start of surgery. Sign in, which occurs before the induction of anesthesia, includes a review by members of the surgical team, notably the nurse and an anesthesia professional, confirming that the patient is prepared for surgery. This review includes ensuring that the surgical site is properly marked or confirming that site marking is not applicable. However, within many clinical settings, it is typically the responsibility of the surgeon to mark the operative site. The LPN might assist in this process by ensuring that all the necessary pre-checks are done, such as confirming the patient's identity and consent, being aware of any known allergies, and that the patient's airway and aspiration risks have been evaluated.

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