What must you do before assigning a patient a pre-op bed?

Assigning a patient to a pre-op bed requires the healthcare provider to ensure that the patient's status and care plan are accurately reflected. Updating the patient's phase of care is crucial because it provides pertinent information regarding their readiness for surgery and ensures that they are in the right area for the specific type of care they need at that point in the surgical process. This ensures proper monitoring and allows the healthcare team to address any immediate needs the patient may have prior to the procedure.

While confirming the patient’s identity is vitally important in maintaining safety protocols, it generally takes place immediately before or during the admission process. Approval from the attending physician is not a usual requirement for bed assignment, as this typically follows a different chain of command. Documenting previous admissions may provide useful history but is not directly related to the specific action of assigning a pre-op bed at that moment. Prioritizing the update of the patient's phase of care ensures the patient is receiving appropriate and immediate care, making it the correct response in this scenario.