PREPARATION OF THE PATIENT

 Antiembolitic hose may be applied.

 The patient is in supine position
 A small pad may be placed under the lumbar spine and/or a pillow may be placed under the
knees to avoid straining back muscles and for comfort.
 The affected forearm is extended on a padded hand table.
 The other arm may be extended on an armboard or padded and tucked in at the patient’s side.
 All bony prominences and areas prone to skin and neurovascular pressure or trauma are
padded.
 Apply electrosurgical dispersive pad.

SKIN PREPARATION

1. Begin at the proposed site

2. Extending from 3′′ to 4′′ above the elbow to include the entire hand (fingers, nails, and
interdigital spaces).

DRAPING

The hand is elevated in a doubled tube stockinette. A large cuffed sheet is draped over the table and
under the arm. A folded towel is wrapped around the arm and clipped. A drape (or split) sheet is draped
under the arm and clipped. A drape sheet covers the shoulder and is clipped under the arm. A
fenestrated sheet (e.g., laparotomy or transverse) or additional drape sheets complete the draping.