Final answer:
The primary preoperative responsibility of the nurse is to obtain a signed permit for surgery, confirming the patient's informed consent. The nurse also plays a critical role in ensuring preoperative checks and reviews with the surgical team are completed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary preoperative responsibility of the nurse is obtaining a signed permit for surgery. This is crucial as it serves as a legal document that signifies the patient's informed consent for the procedure. The nurse's responsibilities also encompass a variety of preoperative checks which include confirming team members' roles, the patient's identity, the surgical site and procedure, and reviewing critical events. These critical events include the surgeon discussing operative details, anesthesia staff addressing patient-specific concerns, and the nursing staff confirming the availability of sterile equipment and addressing any equipment issues.
Moreover, it is important to ensure that all essential imaging results for the correct patient are displayed in the operating room and that the patient has verified his or her identity, the surgical site, and has given consent for the operation. The nurse also ensures that prophylactic antibiotics have been administered within the appropriate timeframe before the surgical incision.