Assessing the preoperative adult.

A patient who is about to undergo surgery requires a presurgery evaluation that focuses on certain risks, including the risk of anesthesia. Even the generally healthy, ambulatory patient who is scheduled for an elective procedure should have a focused history and physical in order to anticipate and prevent complications. This article outlines the questions necessary to ask, the physical examination to be performed and the tests to be ordered during a preanesthesia assessment.