Word parts
What it means
The period before an operation. It includes testing, teaching, signing the consent form and getting the client ready on the day of surgery. Its partner word is postoperativepohst-OP-er-uh-tivDescribing the time after surgery, from the end of the operation until recovery.post- afteroperat/o operation, surgery-ive having the nature ofFull entry , the time after surgery.
For the nurse
Check that informed consentin-FORMD kun-SENTA person's agreement to a treatment or procedure, given freely after the risks, benefits and other choices have been explained to them.Full entry is signed, allergies are noted, the client has had nothing by mouth as ordered, and jewelry, dentures and other items are removed. Teach what to expect after surgery: deep breathing, coughing, the incentive spirometer, pain control and getting out of bed early.
In a chart
"Preoperative checklist complete; NPO since midnight; consent signed and in chart."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | pre-op |
|---|---|
| Spanish | preoperatorio |
| Also written | preop, pre-op, pre-operative, preoperatively |
Related terms
postoperative
Describing the time after surgery, from the end of the operation until recovery.
informed consent
A person's agreement to a treatment or procedure, given freely after the risks, benefits and other choices have been explained to them.
anesthesia
Loss of feeling or sensation, often brought on by drugs so that surgery or a procedure can be done without pain.
surgical
Relating to surgery or done by surgery.