Which of the following should be documented during the skin prep procedure by the perioperative nurse?

• A. Body area prepped
• B. Time the procedure was performed
• C. Identity of the surgical team
• D. Type of sedation used

Answer: (A)

Documenting the body area prepped during the skin preparation procedure is crucial for several reasons. It ensures accurate communication among the surgical team and provides a clear record that can be referenced throughout the operative process. Proper documentation of the specific area prepared helps to prevent any misunderstandings or errors, such as performing the surgery on the wrong site. This is particularly important in preventing sentinel events, which are serious medical errors that can lead to significant harm to patients.

While documenting other elements like the time the procedure was performed, the identity of the surgical team, and the type of sedation used are important, they do not specifically pertain to the skin preparation itself. The specific area being prepped is directly tied to the immediate procedural context and is vital for the safety and efficacy of the surgical intervention.