Which step is performed immediately before starting the procedure according to Universal Protocol?

Which step is performed immediately before starting the procedure according to Universal Protocol?

• A. Pre-operative verification
• B. Time-out immediately before starting the procedure
• C. Marking the side/site
• D. Fire risk assessment

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is the final, team-based safety check that must happen right before you begin the incision. This is the time-out, a deliberate pause where everyone confirms the patient’s identity, the planned procedure, and the correct site or side, along with any critical details like implants, allergies, and imaging results. Because it happens immediately before you start cutting, it serves as the last line of defense against wrong-patient, wrong-procedure, or wrong-site errors. Pre-operative verification happens earlier in the process to confirm records, consent, and readiness. Marking the site is done prior to incision to designate the correct location. A fire risk assessment is not part of the Universal Protocol’s three-step sequence.

The main idea here is the final, team-based safety check that must happen right before you begin the incision. This is the time-out, a deliberate pause where everyone confirms the patient’s identity, the planned procedure, and the correct site or side, along with any critical details like implants, allergies, and imaging results. Because it happens immediately before you start cutting, it serves as the last line of defense against wrong-patient, wrong-procedure, or wrong-site errors.

Pre-operative verification happens earlier in the process to confirm records, consent, and readiness. Marking the site is done prior to incision to designate the correct location. A fire risk assessment is not part of the Universal Protocol’s three-step sequence.