What disciplines are typically involved in the cross-functional perioperative team?

• A. Surgeon and nursing only
• B. Surgeon, anesthesia, nursing, perioperative technicians, physical therapy, nutrition, case management, and pharmacy
• C. Only nursing
• D. Only pharmacists

Answer: (B)

A cross-functional perioperative team brings together specialists from multiple disciplines who collaborate across preop, intraop, and postop stages to optimize safety, pain control, mobility, nutrition, discharge planning, and overall outcomes. The surgeon and anesthesia providers lead medical decision-making and patient management around the operation, but nursing, perioperative technicians, physical therapy, nutrition, case management, and pharmacy all play essential, complementary roles. Nursing monitors the patient, provides direct care, and supports recovery; anesthesia ensures airway management, anesthesia depth, and hemodynamic stability and analgesia; perioperative technicians assist with instrumentation, sterile technique, and equipment readiness; physical therapy facilitates early mobilization and rehabilitation to prevent complications; nutrition supports wound healing and metabolic needs; case management coordinates planning for discharge, home support, and post-discharge services; pharmacy handles medication reconciliation, dosing, and safe drug interactions throughout the perioperative period. This collaborative approach addresses preparation, intraoperative safety, recovery, and discharge needs in a way no single discipline could accomplish alone.