What is an important reason to verify the patient's medical record number before a surgical procedure?

• A. To confirm insurance information
• B. To ensure proper handling of surgical specimens
• C. To expedite the admissions process
• D. To prepare the operating room layout

Answer: (B)

Verifying the patient's medical record number before a surgical procedure is crucial to ensure proper handling of surgical specimens. The medical record number serves as a unique identifier for each patient, linking them to their specific medical history and any surgical procedures they may undergo. This identification is vital in the surgical environment, where multiple patients may be undergoing procedures simultaneously.

Accurate identification helps prevent the potential mislabeling or mishandling of surgical specimens, which can occur if specimens are confused or attributed to the wrong patient. This ensures that pathologists and medical staff can correctly associate specimens with the appropriate patient for diagnosis and treatment. Properly verified specimen handling directly impacts patient safety and care outcomes, underscoring the importance of careful verification processes before proceeding with surgery.

In contrast, options concerning insurance information, the admissions process, or operating room layout, while relevant in their contexts, do not emphasize the critical relevance of correct specimen handling during surgical procedures. Therefore, focusing on the medical record number is essential for maintaining high standards in patient safety and care.