Which action is required before proceeding with a puncture procedure?

Before proceeding with a puncture procedure, it is essential to ensure that the patient has signed a consent form. This step is critical to provide legal protection and to respect the autonomy and rights of the patient. Obtaining informed consent means that the patient understands the procedure, its risks and benefits, and that they have voluntarily agreed to it. This process promotes transparency and builds trust between the healthcare provider and the patient.

While other actions, such as sterilizing equipment, retrieving bandages, and checking medical history, are important in the overall context of preparing for a procedure, they do not have the same level of priority as obtaining informed consent. Ensuring consent is a fundamental requirement in healthcare procedures and sets the stage for everything else that follows.