To prevent wrong-site surgery, which action should be taken preoperatively?

Preventing wrong-site surgery is a critical aspect of patient safety in the surgical setting, and all of the actions listed contribute to this goal. Marking the correct site by the surgeon is a proactive measure that clearly identifies the area to be operated on, reducing the risk of human error. This step allows for visual confirmation and serves as a reminder for both the surgical team and the patient.

Conducting a "time-out" in the operating room is another essential practice. During this brief pause before surgery, the surgical team confirms the patient's identity, the surgical procedure, and the correct site. This collaborative verification helps catch any discrepancies and ensures that everyone is on the same page before beginning the operation.

Verifying the client against medical records adds another layer of safety. Ensuring that the patient’s identity and the procedure to be performed are correct creates a comprehensive approach to preventing mistakes.

Together, these three actions form a robust strategy to enhance patient safety. Therefore, indicating that all of these measures should be taken reflects a comprehensive approach to preventing wrong-site surgery in the preoperative phase.