What to expect at the hospital

What to expect at the hospital

  • A nurse will meet with you to complete your care plan and review what you can expect before and after your surgery. The nurse will review your health history. You will be asked questions about any allergies you have and medicines you are taking.
  • You will be asked to sign a consent form, if you haven't already done so.
  • If you have questions or concerns, please ask a member of your health care team.
  • You will change your clothes and wear a hospital gown. You will also receive a hospital identification bracelet.
  • You may have blood taken for any needed lab tests before your surgery.
  • You may have special tests (such as X-rays or an ultrasound) done. For these, you may be taken to other departments in the hospital.
  • The nurse will check your blood pressure, pulse and temperature.
  • You will have an IV (intravenous) line started in your arm if sedation or general anesthesia is needed. You may also receive an antibiotic to prevent infection.
  • When you go into surgery, your family will be taken to the surgery waiting room. The surgeon will talk with your family when your surgery is done.

Source: Allina Health's Patient Education Department, Surgery: What You Need to Know, surg-ah-21686; Preparing for Surgery (While You Are in the Hospital), surg-ah-11105
First Published: 01/15/2011
Last Reviewed: 06/15/2015