Preoperative nursing assessment of the surgical patient

Thorough assessment of the surgical patient begins in the preoperative phase and extends throughout the perioperative experience. Patient-centered interviews gather critical data that contribute to a successful experience and a focused plan of care. Information collected, documented, and conveyed to the surgeon or physician assists in appropriate medical decision making. This article focuses on perioperative nursing assessment tools and discusses issues pertinent to achieving safe delivery of care. A broad overview touches on key topics that deserve exploration and evaluation. This article will hopefully serve as a useful tool that helps direct the decision-making process.