Final answer:
Medical assistants play a key role in assisting with minor surgeries, including preparing the patient and operating room, providing intraoperative assistance, and helping with postoperative care to support the surgical team and ensure patient safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical assistant's role in minor surgery is multifaceted and critical to the efficient and safe conduct of surgical procedures. They assist in several preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative tasks to ensure patient safety and support the surgical team. Before the surgery, they may be responsible for confirming patient identity, reviewing consent, and marking the surgical site. They help ensure that prophylactic antibiotics have been administered within the right timeframe and that essential imaging results are displayed and reviewed by the team. During the time-out phase right before the incision is made, the medical assistant will support the team in reviewing critical steps and checking that all equipment is functional and sterile
During the surgery, the medical assistant provides hands-on help by passing instruments, managing surgical equipment, and helping to maintain a sterile environment. They also might be responsible for monitoring and conveying information about the patient's vitals to the team. After the procedure, medical assistants often are involved in patient care and recovery, including dressing wounds and providing postoperative instructions under the direction of the surgeon or nurse. Their ability to work efficiently under pressure and their knowledge of surgical procedures significantly impact the quality of patient care.