Final answer:
Nurses must verify authorization and patient details before procedures, ensure equipment and team readiness, and conduct a 'time out' to confirm vital information.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nurses ensure that they have the appropriate authorization and verification procedures before performing any medical procedures. This encompasses various checks and confirmations to maintain patient safety and uphold medical standards. These include but are not limited to, ensuring the correct patient identity, procedure, and surgical site is verified and marked, and that patient consent is obtained. The nurse also confirms that all counts for needles, sponges, and instruments are complete or noted as not applicable. Another key step is to make sure that the patient's medical allergies are communicated to the team and equipment is reviewed and available for use. Additionally, before any incision, a 'time out' is conducted where the entire medical team confirms essential details about the procedure and the patient's care.