The interviewer is asking this question to assess the initiative the candidate typically takes to prepare for a surgical procedure. In addition to preparing the patient for the procedure, it is the responsibility of the anesthesiologist assistant to ensure the operating or procedure room is prepared as well, meaning that a quality check should be conducted to ensure all necessary supplies are ready and available for the anesthesiologist or anesthesiologist assistant and that all anesthesia delivery and monitoring devices have been calibrated and are in proper working condition. It is very important that the anesthesiologist assistant take responsibility for these quality control checks, in order to ensure the safety of the patient during the procedure. To successfully answer this question, the candidate should detail the steps they take to prepare for a surgical procedure, outside of preparing a patient. A stronger answer to this question would include an example of when one of these quality checks led to a potential avoidance of a medical error.

"Before a procedure begins, I always check the room to ensure the supplies I need for the procedure and any potential emergency situation are ready and available in the room. Also, I make sure that the dosing machines and monitors are calibrated and in working condition. I would rather take the extra time to conduct these quality checks than to run into an issue of not having necessary supplies or a device not working during a procedure, as I know that could potentially lead to a very bad outcome."