CCI Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Preventing wrong-site surgery relies on a clear, verifiable plan for the correct location, authenticated with the patient before any anesthesia or incision. Marking the exact surgical site while the patient is awake and able to confirm it ensures the team and patient agree on the correct location, side, and procedure. This mark stays visible after draping and isn’t undermined by anesthesia or later changes, so everyone knows exactly where the operation will occur. If marking were done after incision, or only by the surgeon without the patient present, there would be no opportunity for the patient to confirm the site or for the team to catch a potential mismatch before cutting. Incorporating a time-out just before incision—as part of the safety protocol—further verifies patient identity, procedure, and site.