Chapter 40: Surgical and Special Procedures

Who obtains informed consent for a procedure?

The provider.

What is the MA role with informed consent?

May witness the signature and verify form completion according to policy; does not explain risks or benefits.

What should be verified before a procedure?

Patient identity, procedure, site, consent/order, allergies, supplies, and provider readiness.

What is a timeout?

Final safety check verifying the correct patient, procedure, site, and relevant details before the procedure.

What is the MA role in minor surgery?

Prepare the room and supplies, position the patient, maintain the sterile field, assist the provider, monitor the patient, and document.

What is the correct order for assisting a minor surgical procedure?

Prepare sterile supplies → identify patient/verify consent → position and drape → assist using sterile technique → handle specimens → dress wound → document and provide education.

What must be on a specimen label?

Patient identifiers, specimen source/type, date/time, collector initials, and required provider information per policy.

What is chain of custody?

Documented control of a specimen from collection to final disposition.

When is chain of custody needed?

Legal/forensic testing, drug/alcohol testing, paternity/DNA testing, or other policy-specified specimens.

What should the MA do after a procedure if the patient becomes pale or dizzy?

Stop the activity, protect the patient, notify the provider, and assess vital signs per protocol.

What discharge instructions should be clear?

Wound care, activity limits, medications, warning signs, follow-up, and who to call.

What signs after a procedure should be reported?

Excessive bleeding, increasing pain, fever, redness/swelling, drainage, or an allergic reaction.