Patient Pre-Op Checklist

• If you have any changes in your health between your visit to your doctor and the day of the procedure (even minor changes such as a temperature, cough or cold), notify your doctor or SMDC Medical Center’s Pre-Assessment Nurse at (218) 786-5879.
• Arrange for someone to bring you home and stay with you on the day of your surgery and for 24 hours after you get home.
• Do not use alcohol and tobacco during the 24 hours before your surgery.
• Please bathe or shower the evening before or the morning of your surgery.
• DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This includes gum or candy. You may drink clear liquids up until two hours before the time you are to arrive at the hospital. Clear liquids include water, soda, and tea and coffee without cream or milk. Do not drink protein drinks and instant breakfasts, as they stay in your stomach longer and may delay surgery.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the hospital. Plan to arrive 1 to 2 hours before your surgery. You will receive a hospital gown, robe and slippers to wear during surgery.
• Do not wear makeup or jewelry. Let the Pre-Assessment Nurse know if you have artificial nails or body piercings.
• Take all of your scheduled medicines with a sip of water on the morning of surgery unless otherwise directed.
• Bring your insurance card.
• If there is any possibility that you could be pregnant, please tell the admitting nurse and the person who talks with you about your anesthesia.