Preparing and equipping the patient for surgery

1. Remove the patient’s clothing and lift the blanket to just below the navel.

2. Place a sterile towel or drape over the edge of the blanket and fold it inward.

3. Place a sterile towel or drape under the buttocks.

Prepare the area, including:

• The pubic region.
• The vulva.
• The labia.
• The perineum.
• The anus.

4. Dispose of the sponge after cleaning the anal area.

5. Use a new sponge to clean the thighs from the labia outward (one sponge per thigh).

6. Clean the vagina using a fresh sponge.

7. Apply an ample amount of antiseptic solution inside the vagina.

8. Thoroughly dry the vaginal area with a sponge.