Final answer:
Using the nursing process, before and during surgery, confirms patient details, surgical plans, and readiness of the team and equipment. This framework ensures patient safety, including administering antibiotics and reviewing essential imaging, for successful surgical outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nursing process is an essential framework for providing individualized care to clients undergoing surgery. Before the operation, during the sign in phase, the team, including the nurse and anesthesia professional, orally confirms the patient's identity, surgical site and procedure, consent, awareness of allergies, and that the necessary equipment is in place and functioning. During the time out phase - after anesthesia induction and before the skin incision, the team reviews the name of the procedure, equipment issues, needle, sponge, and instrument counts, and labeling of any specimens.
Throughout the surgery, the nurse plays a pivotal role in patient safety by ensuring sterility, equipment availability, and addressing any issues that might arise. It is crucial to confirm that prophylactic antibiotics were given within 60 minutes before the incision or that they are not indicated, and that essential imaging results are displayed. This rigorous review process by the surgeon, anesthesia, and nursing staff promotes successful outcomes for patients under their care.