To help prevent errors in the surgical procedure, the National Patient Safety Goal instituted a directive that prior to presurgical medication, each patient must:

A. Place a walker at the side of the bed. A walker may not be necessary for all patients and should only be used if prescribed by the healthcare provider.

B. Allow the patient to sit with the head of bed raised to the high Fowler’s position. This helps with postural adjustment but is not the best first step before dangling the legs.

C. Assist the patient to sit and dangle his or her legs on the side of the bed. Gradual movement from lying to sitting to standing helps prevent orthostatic hypotension, which is common after surgery.

D. Assist the patient from a supine position to a standing position. Moving too quickly can cause dizziness, falls, and syncope due to orthostatic hypotension.

A. Circulating nurse: The circulating nurse does not obtain the surgical consent. Their role is to assist in the operating room by managing supplies, documentation, and ensuring the safety of the environment.

B. Admitting department: The admitting department is involved in the patient’s admission process but does not obtain surgical consent.

C. Scrub tech: The scrub tech assists during surgery but does not obtain surgical consent. Their role is focused on sterile technique and assisting with instruments.

D. Surgeon: The surgeon is the one responsible for obtaining the patient's informed consent for surgery, ensuring that the patient understands the procedure, risks, and benefits.