Reference no: EM133580074

Attention to detail is important when preparing for surgical procedures. Begin by washing your hands and assembling the sterile tray following proper procedure. Introduce yourself, identify the patient using two identifiers, and confirm the procedure to be performed. Speak to the patient's level of understanding and answer any questions. Prepare the patient's skin in a manner appropriate for the procedure to be performed. As the provider prepares for the surgery, remove the sterile drape cover from the sterile field by grasping the tips of the corners farthest away from you and lifting the drape toward you. This method will protect the sterility of the field. Be certain to follow the principles of surgical asepsis if holding the vial of anesthetic agent for the provider. You may also be expected to provide supplies and equipment to the provider. If you are assisting the provider by handling sterile instruments, don sterile gloves.. An important part of your role will be to help the patient to remain calm and provide support throughout the procedure. Keep in mind that it's important that you work only within your scope of practice during the procedure. As you receive used instruments from the provider, place them in a basin or container out of the patient's line of sight. If necessary, hold the biopsy container to receive the specimen being excised, being careful not to contaminate or touch the inside of the container in any way. Once the procedure is complete, assist with the application of sterile dressing and any special needs the patient might have. Make sure the specimen container is tightly covered and clearly labeled with the date, type and source of specimen, and patient's name. Arrange for the specimen to be sent to the lab accompanied by the appropriate laboratory requisition. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, or PPE, and thoroughly clean the procedure room by disposing of any used supplies in the appropriate containers. Properly clean and sterilize any surgical instruments for reuse at a future time. Remove gloves and other personal protective equipment and dispose of them properly. After washing your hands, document the procedure in the patient's medical record, including any laboratory requisitions.

1. Describe the medical assistant's duties in minor surgery performed in the office.

2. What of anesthetics are used in minor surgical procedures?

3. When the procedure is over you will need to clean up the supplies and equipment. Describe the cleanup process following a minor surgical procedure.