Which event occurs before commencing skin prep and draping?

• A. Induction of general anesthesia and intubation
• B. The pause
• C. Paperwork completion
• D. Surgeon inspection

Answer: (A)

Securing the airway and putting the patient under anesthesia must come first so the patient is immobile and the airway is protected before the sterile field is created. Induction of general anesthesia with intubation prepares a safe environment for skin prep and draping, which require the patient to be anesthetized and still. The pause (time-out) is a safety check performed just before incision, after the sterile field is established, so it doesn’t precede skin prep. Paperwork is usually completed earlier in the preoperative phase, and surgeon inspection typically occurs after prepping and draping as part of the final checks.