ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the key concepts and indications for pre-procedural patient risk assessment and optimization. The authors begin by providing step-by-step instructions to initiate a procedure safely, including the need to obtain a focused patient history, physical exam, and review of systems. The authors note the importance of identifying any prior risk assessment and optimization documentation that has already been completed, as well as how to approach missing items. The authors introduce the appropriate tests to assess and optimize the cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and hematologic factors that may lead to adverse events during procedures.
