Key Terms

ambulatory surgical center (ASC)facility designed for outpatient procedures that do not require the patient to be monitored overnightanesthesia awareness(also: intraoperative awareness) rare but potentially distressing phenomenon where a patient becomes partially or fully aware of their surroundings during surgery despite…

Intraoperative Considerations

Learning Objectives By the end of this section, you will be able to: The intraoperative phase is uniquely situated at the heart of surgical interventions, which can pose unique challenges and opportunities for health-care professionals dedicated to providing optimal care.…

Introduction

Figure 26.1 The nurse’s role is pivotal for the patient’s care during surgery. The nurse must collaborate with other providers on the surgical team to ensure the patient’s safety before, during, and after the procedure. (credit: “Aviano’s surgical team” by Airman 1st…