What is the primary purpose of preoperative assessment?

The primary purpose of preoperative assessment is to identify any potential risks before surgery. This assessment involves gathering detailed information about the patient's medical history, current health status, medications, allergies, and any other relevant factors that could affect the surgery and recovery process. By identifying these risks early, healthcare providers can implement strategies to mitigate them, ensuring the patient's safety during the surgical procedure.

While assessing a patient's level of pain, establishing a postoperative care plan, and evaluating emotional readiness are also important components of patient care, they do not capture the primary aim of the preoperative assessment. The focus is primarily on ensuring that the patient is fit for surgery and to reduce complications, which is why recognizing potential risks is crucial. This proactive approach allows informed decisions regarding anesthesia and surgical techniques and prepares the surgical team to address any identified concerns.