What is the first step to pre-surgical care?

Administering pre-medication is a crucial first step in pre-surgical care as it helps to ensure the animal is calm and relaxed before undergoing the surgical procedure. Pre-medication often includes sedatives or analgesics that can mitigate anxiety, control pain, and facilitate smoother induction of anesthesia.

By addressing the animal's comfort and stress levels during this early stage, veterinary staff can set a positive tone for the surgery, helping to stabilize the animal and reducing the risk of complications during the procedure. Pre-medication also allows for better monitoring of the animal's physical condition as the medications take effect, ensuring both the animal's and the surgical team’s safety.

In contrast, preparing the surgical area, positioning the animal, and reviewing medical history are all important components of the surgical process, but they typically follow the administration of pre-medication. These steps could not occur effectively without first addressing the animal’s psychological and physical state through pre-operative medication.