Word parts
peri- aroundoperative relating to surgery
What it means
The perioperative period has three phases: preoperative (from the decision to operate until the client enters the operating room), intraoperative (during the surgery) and postoperative (recovery). Perioperative nurses work in all three, from preparing and teaching the client to caring for them in the operating and recovery rooms.
Related terms
postoperative
Describing the time after surgery, from the end of the operation until recovery.
peri-
A word beginning that means around or near.
time-out
A pause just before a procedure when the whole team confirms the right client, procedure and site; also, a short break to calm a child.