If abnormal lab results come in while a patient is in pre-op and the doctor decides not to perform the procedure, what is the next step?

Selecting "Procedure Not Performed" under the Events menu is crucial for maintaining accurate and complete medical records. This action formally documents the decision made by the physician regarding the procedure, ensuring that all healthcare team members are aware that the planned surgery did not occur and the reasons behind it.

This step is vital not just for internal tracking, but also for informing subsequent care decisions and for any future reference by healthcare providers. It ensures clarity in the patient's medical history and supports effective communication within the healthcare team.

While proper documentation in the patient's chart and notifying the patient’s family are important aspects of patient care, the specific action of recording the event in the system takes precedence in order to maintain an accurate and timely medical record. Conversely, postponing the procedure doesn’t directly reflect the immediate need to document the decision that has been made based on the abnormal lab results.