PART C: REFLECTIVE DIARY AND EVALUATION OF CLINICAL EXPERIENCE Aseptic technique Although the importance of aseptic technique has been continually reiterated, I have realized its substantial role in the perioperative environment. Aseptic technique refers to the practice of creating and maintaining a sterile environment used for sterile procedures (Read, 2010a). This is incredibly important as minor and repeated violations of the sterile environment are one of the major factors that increase the risk of surgical site infection (Harrop et al., 2012). Nurses on duty must check the expiry date and integrity of the packaging and wear the correct PPE before opening the items. Each item must maintain its sterility; therefore the setting must be constantly monitored. Nurse practitioners should create the sterile field using sterile drapes as they minimize the transfer of microorganisms. They should also keep their hands at chest height, as areas below table height can easily be contaminated (Australian College of Operating Room Nurses, 2010). Drugs Preoperative Phase Pharmacology is a vital component in perioperative practice. Drug use is carefully monitored during the perioperative period. In the preoperative period, there are some medications that must be stopped before surgery as they increase surgical risk, including anticoagulants, tranquilizers, corticosteroids, and diuretics (Laws, 2010b). In fact, these drugs can increase the risk of respiratory depression, infections, fluid and electrolyte imbalance and increased risk of bleeding (Hamlin, 2010). Open communication is important to obtain a medication history and to identify medications taken prior to surgery. If any of these drugs have been... the focus of the paper... patient safety, gathering the necessary supplies and checking whether the necessary equipment is working, setting up the sterile field, maintaining its sterility and completion of all documents. Hamlin (2010) also states that nurses may be required to provide emotional support during the induction phase of anesthesia. Postoperative Phase Although students were not allowed to enter the recovery unit, I was able to speak to one of the recovery nurses. I learned that a nurse's duty of care includes monitoring the patient's vital signs and level of consciousness and maintaining a patent airway. It is also necessary to evaluate pain and the effectiveness of pain management. Once patients are transferred to the surgical department, the goal is to assist in the recovery process, as well as provide referral details and instructions on the care needed when the patient returns home (Hamlin, 2010).