The patient's decision to undergo a procedure based on their understanding of the risks and benefits involved.

A legal document that patients sign before surgery.

The process of obtaining permission from a patient after explaining the procedure and its risks.

A requirement for all medical procedures regardless of the patient's condition.

Surgical procedures that require large incisions to access the body.

Surgical procedures that use specialized instruments inserted into the body either through natural orifices or through small incisions.

Surgical procedures that are performed without any anesthesia.

Surgical procedures that only involve diagnostic imaging techniques.

Period of time that begins with transfer of the patient to the operating room area and continues until the patient is admitted to the postanesthesia care unit.

Time spent in the waiting room before surgery begins.

Duration of the surgery itself, from incision to closure.

Recovery time after surgery until the patient is fully awake.

Measures taken to maintain an area free from living microorganisms, including all spores.

A method of cleaning surfaces with soap and water.

A procedure for handling food safely to prevent contamination.

A technique used to sterilize surgical instruments.

A member of the operating room team responsible for administering anesthesia.

A healthcare professional who provides post-operative care to patients.

A member of the operating room team whose responsibilities may include handling tissue, providing exposure at the operative field, suturing, and maintaining hemostasis.

A nurse who specializes in patient education and health promotion.

A condition that causes a mild increase in body temperature during surgery.

A rare life-threatening condition triggered by exposure to most anesthetic agents inducing a drastic and uncontrolled increase in skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism.

A common reaction to anesthesia that resolves quickly after surgery.

A genetic disorder that only affects children.

Area in the operating room where scrub attire is required; may include areas where surgical instruments are processed.

A section of the hospital where patients are allowed to roam freely.

An area designated for administrative tasks and paperwork.

A waiting area for family members during surgery.

Registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or surgical technologist who scrubs and dons sterile surgical attire, prepares instruments and supplies, and hands instruments to the surgeon during the procedure.

A healthcare professional responsible for administering anesthesia during surgical procedures.

A medical assistant who prepares patients for examinations and assists physicians.

A nurse who specializes in post-operative care and recovery of patients.

Presence of microorganisms in the surgical environment to increase the risk of infection.

Absence of microorganisms in the surgical environment to reduce the risk of infection.

A technique used to sterilize surgical instruments only.

A method to clean the surgical area without regard to microorganisms.

A state of complete unconsciousness without any response to stimuli.

A state of narcosis or severe central nervous system depression produced by pharmacologic agents.

A temporary loss of sensation or awareness due to local anesthetics.

A condition characterized by heightened sensitivity to pain and discomfort.

Protrusion of organs through the surgical incision.

Removal of internal organs during surgery.

Inflammation of the abdominal lining.

Closure of a surgical incision.

Registered nurse who coordinates and documents patient care in the operating room (synonym: circulator).

A nurse who assists in the recovery room after surgery.

A nurse responsible for administering anesthesia during surgery.

A nurse who provides pre-operative education to patients.

Area in the operating room that interfaces with other departments; includes patient reception area and holding area.

A sterile area in the operating room where surgical instruments are kept.

A restricted area in the hospital where only authorized personnel can enter.

An area designated for post-operative recovery of patients.

Method of healing in which wound edges are surgically approximated and integumentary continuity is restored without granulation.

A healing process that involves the formation of granulation tissue before closure.

A method where wounds are left open to heal naturally over time.

A technique that requires extensive surgical intervention and results in significant scarring.

Moderate sedation given by an anesthesiologist or CRNA.

General anesthesia administered by a nurse.

Local anesthesia applied by a surgeon.

Sedation provided by a medical assistant.

Involves complete unconsciousness and loss of airway reflexes.

Previously referred to as conscious sedation, involves the use of sedation to depress the level of consciousness without altering the patient’s ability to maintain a patent airway and to respond to physical stimuli and verbal commands.

Is a type of anesthesia that requires intubation and mechanical ventilation.

Is used only for surgical procedures requiring general anesthesia.

Area in the operating room where scrub attire and surgical masks are required; includes operating room and sterile core areas.

A section of the hospital where only authorized personnel can enter.

An area designated for patient recovery after surgery.

A waiting area for family members during surgical procedures.

Area designated for care of surgical patients immediately after surgery and for patients whose condition warrants close monitoring.

A recovery area for patients who have undergone minor procedures and do not require close observation.

A waiting area for family members of surgical patients.

An outpatient area for patients to receive follow-up care after surgery.

Period of time from when the decision for surgical intervention is made to when the patient is transferred to the operating room table.

The time after surgery when the patient is recovering.

The phase where the patient is evaluated for surgery and prepped for anesthesia.

The time spent in the recovery room after the surgery is completed.