Final answer:
A patient undergoing laparotomy should be prepped by confirming administration of prophylactic antibiotics prior to incision, carrying out a surgical time out to ensure correct patient and procedure, discussing recovery and care concerns, and maintaining a sterile field to prevent sepsis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients undergoing laparotomy should be prepped by ensuring a few key steps are taken to prevent complications and promote the best possible outcome for the surgery. First, it is essential to confirm that prophylactic antibiotics have been administered approximately 60 minutes before the incision is made, unless antibiotics are deemed not necessary for the procedure. This step helps to reduce the risk of postoperative infections.
Next, a time out should be carried out by the entire surgical team, which includes nurses, surgeons, anesthesia professionals, and any other staff involved in the care of the patient. During this time out, the team should review and confirm all essential imaging results for the correct patient are displayed in the operating room, thereby ensuring the right procedure is performed on the right patient.
Additionally, the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional should collectively review aloud the key concerns for the patient’s recovery and care post-surgery. This collaborative step further reinforces the attention to detail needed to provide quality care and to prevent complications.
Lastly, during any medical procedures that have a risk for contamination, a sterile field must be maintained through proper aseptic technique to prevent sepsis and other complications. This involves the use of sterile instruments, gloves, and drapes, as well as adherence to protocols designed to minimize the risk of introducing pathogens into the surgical site.