Question

In Mr. Potter's record, you see notes indicating that Universal Protocol was followed for Mr. Potter prior to surgery. Universal Protocol is important in:

A. Ensuring proper patient identification
B. Controlling infection in the surgical area
C. Monitoring postoperative pain
D. Administering anesthesia

Answer 1

Universal Protocol is a checklist aimed at preventing surgical errors by ensuring proper patient identification and thorough review of the patient's case before the procedure begins.

Step-by-step explanation:

Universal Protocol is a safety checklist used in the medical field prior to surgery. It is mainly important in ensuring proper patient identification, but it involves several checks that aim to prevent errors and enhance patient safety. The protocol includes several steps such as confirming that prophylactic antibiotics have been administered or are not indicated 60 minutes before the incision is made, and ensuring that essential imaging results for the correct patient are displayed in the operating room.

Additionally, the surgical team, including the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional, review aloud the key concerns for the recovery and care of the patient, and confirm the patient's identity, surgical site, and procedure. Critical events, such as the review of the anticipated critical events by the surgeon, anesthesia, and nursing staff, are also covered in this protocol.