Preoperative Patient

Which are actions the nurse implements during the informed consent process when providing patient care? Select all that apply. 1. Reviewing the consent form 2. Witnessing the patient's signature on the consent form 3. Teaching the patient why the procedure is being implemented 4. Educating the patient on adverse effects associated with the procedure 5. Validating patient understanding of the information presented for the procedure

1, 2, 5 1 This is correct. Reviewing the consent form is an appropriate nursing action during the informed consent process. 2 This is correct. Witnessing the patient's signature on the form is an appropriate nursing action during the informed consent process. 3 This is incorrect. Although the nurse can reinforce teaching, it is the surgeon's responsibility to teach the patient why the procedure is being performed. 4 This is incorrect. Although the nurse can reinforce teaching, it is the surgeon's responsibility to teach the patient the adverse effects associated with the procedure. 5 This is correct. Validating the patient's understanding of information related to the surgery or procedure is an appropriate nursing action during the informed consent process.

Which should the nurse ask the patient to verify during the initial time-out, the "pause for cause"? Select all that apply. 1. "What is the name of your surgeon?" 2. "Which procedure are you having done today?" 3. "Is the information on your identification band correct?" 4. "Which side of the body is your procedure going to be completed on?" 5. "Have you signed your informed consent for the scheduled procedure?"

1, 2, 3, 4 1 This is correct. During the initial time-out, the patient verifies all information on the identification band as correct, the name of the surgeon, the procedure that will be completed by the surgeon, and the correct side of the body on which the surgery will occur if this is a unilateral procedure. This question is included in the initial time-out, the "pause for cause." 2 This is correct. During the initial time-out, the patient verifies all information on the identification band as correct, the name of the surgeon, the procedure that will be completed by the surgeon, and the correct side of the body on which the surgery will occur if this is a unilateral procedure. This question is included in the initial time-out, the "pause for cause." 3 This is correct. During the initial time-out the patient verifies all information on the identification band as correct, the name of the surgeon, the procedure that will be completed by the surgeon, and the correct side of the body on which the surgery will occur if this is a unilateral procedure. This question is included in the initial time-out, the "pause for cause." 4 This is correct. During the initial time-out, the patient verifies all information on the identification band as correct, the name of the surgeon, the procedure that will be completed by the surgeon, and the correct side of the body on which the surgery will occur if this is a unilateral procedure. This question is included in the initial time-out, the "pause for cause." 5 This is incorrect. This question is not included in the initial time-out. This information is included in the preoperative checklist.

According to the World Health Organization, which members of the surgical team are required to be involved in the completion of the Surgical Safety Checklist before the skin incision is made? Select all that apply. 1. Anesthesiologist or anesthetist 2. Surgical technician 3. Nurse 4. Surgeon 5. Operating room nurse manager

1, 3, 4 1 This is correct. The surgeon, anesthesiologist/anesthetist, and a registered nurse (usually the circulating nurse) are responsible for completion of the surgical safety list. 2 This is incorrect. It is the responsibility of the surgeon, anesthesiologist/anesthetist, and a registered nurse. 3 This is correct. The surgeon, anesthesiologist/anesthetist, and a registered nurse (usually the circulating nurse) are responsible for completion of the surgical safety list. 4 This is correct. The surgeon, anesthesiologist/anesthetist, and a registered nurse (usually the circulating nurse) are responsible for completion of the surgical safety list. 5 This is incorrect. One of the nurses (circulating nurse, scrub nurse, etc.) can complete the surgical safety list. The operating room nurse manager is not required to be involved.

Which gauge catheter does the nurse use when initiating intravenous (IV) access for a preoperative patient? 1. 18 2. 20 3. 22 4. 24

2 1 An 18-gauge catheter is used when initiating IV access for a perioperative patient because this is the gauge preferred for the administration of blood products. 2 This gauge is too small in the event blood transfusions are required. An 18 gauge is preferred. 3 This gauge is too small in the event blood transfusions are required. An 18 gauge is preferred. 4 This gauge is too small in the event blood transfusions are required. An 18 gauge is preferred.

In providing preoperative teaching to a patient with a smoking history, which information does the nurse include in the teaching plan to encourage the patient not to smoke before surgery? 1. "Smoking increases your risk of bleeding after surgery." 2. "Smoking increases your risk of respiratory depression during surgery." 3. "Smoking increases your risk of nausea and vomiting after surgery." 4. "Smoking increases your risk of aspiration after surgery."

2 1 Medications such as NSAIDS, anticoagulants, and antiplatelet agents, not smoking, increase the risk of bleeding. 2 Smoking puts patients at risk for respiratory depression during the procedure and deep vein thrombosis during postoperative care. Because of changes in the pulmonary system, intubation and ventilation may also be compromised. Smoking may also increase healing time for surgical wounds. 3 Anesthetic agents may increase the risk of nausea and vomiting, not smoking. 4 Eating or drinking too closely too surgery increases the risk of aspiration, not smoking.

The nurse is completing the preoperative checklist on the night shift in preparation for the patient's surgery, scheduled for 0800. Which tasks could the nurse complete at this time? 1.Documenting the time of last voiding 2.Checking the medical record for the history, physical, and signed informed consent 3.Administering preoperative medication 4.Removing the prosthesis

2 1 The nurse on day shift preparing to send the patient to surgery would document time of last voiding and administration of preoperative medication. 2 The nurse on night shift could check the medical record to ensure that a history and physical have been completed and that the consent for surgery is signed. 3 The nurse on day shift preparing to send the patient to surgery would document time of last voiding and administration of preoperative medication. 4 Many patients prefer to wait until just before going to surgery before removing dentures, contact lenses, and other prostheses.

The nurse is conducting a medication assessment for a preoperative patient. Which action by the nurse is appropriate for the patient who is prescribed metoprolol? 1. Obtaining a baseline electrocardiogram 2. Monitoring blood pressure 3. Assessing for hyperglycemia 4. Tapering the drug 2 days before surgery

2 1 This nursing action is appropriate for a patient who is prescribed an antiarrhythmic. 2 The prescribed drug is an antihypertensive; therefore, the most appropriate nursing action is to monitor the patient's blood pressure. 3 This nursing action is appropriate for a patient who is prescribed a corticosteroid drug. 4 The nursing action is appropriate for a patient who is prescribed an anticoagulant drug.

A patient is informed that a surgical procedure is to be scheduled in 2 weeks. Which teaching points does the nurse include to prepare the patient for the surgery? Select all that apply. 1. The number of surgeries scheduled that day 2. Deep breathing and coughing expectations 3. Location of the surgical incision 4. Presence of dressings or drains 5. Components of the pain scale

2, 3, 4, 5 1 This is incorrect. The number of surgeries is not important information, and this can change because of emergencies, cancellations, or extended procedures. 2 This is correct. Preoperative teaching includes deep breathing and coughing exercises, location of the surgical incision, drains and dressings that will be present after the surgery, and pain scales and pain management 3 This is correct. In the preoperative phase, when the patient is alert and oriented, the nurse should focus teaching on deep breathing and coughing exercises, care location of the surgical incision, managing constipation, and managing pain drains and dressings that will be present after the surgery, as well as pain scales and pain management. 4 This is correct. In the preoperative phase, when the patient is alert and oriented, the nurse should focus teaching on deep breathing and coughing exercises, care location of the surgical incision, managing constipation, and managing pain drains and dressings that will be present after the surgery, as well as pain scales and pain management. 5 This is correct. In the preoperative phase, when the patient is alert and oriented, the nurse should focus teaching on deep breathing and coughing exercises, care location of the surgical incision, managing constipation, and managing pain drains and dressings that will be present after the surgery, as well as pain scales and pain management.

The nurse is reviewing the medical records for patients who are scheduled for surgery the next day. Which patient may not provide consent to receive blood products? 1. A Hispanic Catholic patient 2. An African-American Baptist patient 3. A Caucasian Jehovah's Witness patient 4. A Native American patient with no religious affiliation

3 1 This patient is likely to provide consent to receive blood products. 2 This patient is likely to provide consent to receive blood products. 3 Because of religious beliefs, patients who are Jehovah's Witnesses will not consent to the use of blood products. In that case, the surgeon documents that the patient has refused blood products in the patient's chart. The preoperative nurse is responsible for identifying the patient as "no blood products" with a bracelet and sign on the patient's chart. 4 This patient is likely to provide consent to receive blood products.

Which is the priority action by the nurse when a patient discloses a medication allergy during the health history before a surgical procedure? 1. Asking the patient to describe the reaction that occurs 2. Documenting the information on the patient's medical record 3. Placing an alert bracelet on the patient before leaving the unit 4. Verifying the information with the patient's family members at the bedside

3 1 Although it is important to determine the type of reaction the patient experiences, this is not the priority nursing action. 2 Although it is important to document the information in the patient's medical record, this is not the priority nursing action. 3 The nurse should immediately place an alert bracelet on the patient and communicate this information with the surgical team. 4 It is not necessary to verify the information with the patient's family members at the bedside.

The nurse is conducting a medication assessment for a preoperative patient. Which action by the nurse is appropriate for the patient who is prescribed warfarin? 1. Obtaining a baseline electrocardiogram 2. Monitoring blood pressure 3. Assessing for hyperglycemia 4. Tapering the drug 2 days before surgery

4 1 This nursing action is appropriate for a patient who is prescribed an antiarrhythmic. 2 This nursing action is appropriate for a patient who is prescribed an antihypertensive drug. 3 This nursing action is appropriate for a patient who is prescribed a corticosteroid drug. 4 The prescribed drug is an anticoagulant; therefore, the most appropriate nursing action is to teach the patient to taper the drug for 48 hours before the surgical procedure.

The nurse is conducting a medication assessment for a preoperative patient. Which action by the nurse is appropriate for the patient who is prescribed insulin? 1.Obtaining a baseline electrocardiogram 2.Monitoring blood pressure 3.Holding the drug during the perioperative period 4.Assessing blood glucose levels closely during the perioperative period

4 1 This nursing action is appropriate for a patient who is prescribed an antiarrhythmic. 2 This nursing action is appropriate for a patient who is prescribed an antihypertensive drug. 3 This nursing action is inappropriate as insulin should be administered throughout the perioperative period. 4 The prescribed drug is administered to control the patient's blood glucose level; therefore, the nurse should monitor the patient's blood glucose level closely during the perioperative period.

Which identifier should the nurse use during the initial time-out to determine the right patient? 1.Date of birth 2.Maiden name 3.Medical record number 4.Employer

1 1 Date of birth is an identifier the nurse may use to determine the right patient during the initial time-out conducted during the preoperative period. A time-out is a formal process of identification performed by the patient and the healthcare team to identify the correct patient, correct procedure, and correct surgical site. The preoperative nurse is a part of the time-out process. 2 The patient's first and last name, not maiden name, are identifiers the nurse may use to determine the right patient during the initial time-out conducted during the preoperative period. 3 The patient's social security number, not medical record number, is an identifier the nurse may use to determine the right patient during the initial time-out conducted during the preoperative period. 4 The patient's employer is not an acceptable identifier. Acceptable identifiers include name, date of birth, social security number, photo printed on ID band, address, and telephone number.

The nurse performs preoperative teaching for a patient requiring a surgical intervention. Which actions by the patient indicate appropriate understanding of the information provided? Select all that apply. 1. Demonstrating how to turn and get out of bed 2. Having no anxiety about the impending surgery 3. Demonstrating proper performance of leg exercises 4. Demonstrating proper coughing and deep breathing 5. Asking questions about and voicing understanding of information provided

1, 3, 4, 5 1 This is correct. The nurse evaluates the patient's understanding through the questions asked and the return demonstration of skills performed. 2 This is incorrect. Although preoperative teaching can help to reduce anxiety, it is unlikely to completely eliminate fear. 3 This is correct. The nurse evaluates the patient's understanding through the questions asked and the return demonstration of skills performed. 4 This is correct. The nurse evaluates the patient's understanding through the questions asked and the return demonstration of skills performed. 5 This is correct. The nurse evaluates the patient's understanding through the questions asked and the return demonstration of skills performed.

The nurse correlates an increased risk of which complication related to a patient wearing jewelry in the operating suite? 1. Intravenous infiltration 2. Bleeding 3. Infection 4. Burns

4 1 All jewelry needs to be removed to prevent injuries such as burns or trauma. Jewelry should not interfere with IV infusions or cause infiltration. 2 Bleeding is not impacted by the presence of jewelry, but the jewelry does increase the risk of burns or trauma. 3 The risk of infection is not impacted by the presence of jewelry, but the jewelry does increase the risk of burns or trauma. 4 The patient is at risk for burns as an electrocautery unit is used during operative procedures to decrease bleeding. Electricity may travel to any metal on the body, causing a burn if the patient is wearing jewelry. There is also a risk during positioning that the patient's ring may get caught in a piece of equipment, causing injury to the finger.

What is the priority nursing action when providing patient care during the preoperative phase of care? 1. Ensuring NPO status 2. Monitoring vital signs 3. Obtaining informed consent 4. Completing a preoperative checklist

4 1 Although ensuring NPO status is important, this is not the priority nursing action. 2 Although monitoring vital signs is important, this is not the priority nursing action. 3 The healthcare provider, not the nurse, is responsible for obtaining informed consent. 4 The nurse's main priority is to complete a preoperative checklist. Each facility's unique checklist ensures that the necessary documentation, admission assessment, physical preparation, and educational needs have been completed before the patient enters the surgical suite.

The nurse administers the preoperative medication to the patient 1 hour before elective surgery and then discovers the preoperative consent is not signed. Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate? 1. Have the patient sign the consent quickly, before the medication begins taking effect. 2. Have a family member or medical power of attorney sign the consent. 3. Send the patient to the holding area without a signed consent. 4. Notify the healthcare provider that surgery will need to be canceled.

4 1 Informed consent for a scheduled procedure must be obtained before the administration of pain medications and sedatives or the induction of anesthesia because these drugs may alter the patient's ability to make an informed decision. The nurse cannot have the patient sign the consent once the preoperative medication has been administered, because it affects the patient's ability to reason. 2 Emergency surgery, in some facilities, may be performed if a family member or medical power of attorney signs the consent when the patient is unable to do so, but elective surgery requires the patient's signature if capable of making a reasoned decision. 3 The nurse cannot send the patient to the holding area without a signed consent form. 4 Informed consent for a scheduled procedure must be obtained before the administration of pain medications and sedatives or the induction of anesthesia because these drugs may alter the patient's ability to make an informed decision. The nurse will notify the healthcare provider, who will need to cancel surgery until the preoperative medication is excreted and no longer affecting the patient's ability to make informed decisions, at which time the consent can be signed.

During the time-out for a surgical procedure, who is responsible for marking the surgical site? 1. Circulating nurse 2. Surgical technician 3. Patient's primary nurse 4. Surgeon

4 1 It is the surgeon's responsibility to mark the site. The circulating nurse ensures the time-out is performed on transfer of the patient to the surgical suite and once more immediately preceding incision by the entire team. 2 It is the surgeon's responsibility, not the surgical technician's. 3 It is the surgeon's responsibility to mark the surgical site. The patient's primary nurse ensures the preoperative checklist is completed and signed before releasing the patient to the operating room. 4 The surgeon marks the surgical site with his or her signature using a permanent marker. Some surgeons may require that, if possible, the patient marks the site himself or herself.

The nurse provides care to a patient who is having surgery later in the day. Which intervention is appropriate for the patient who is currently prescribed amiodarone? 1. Monitoring for hyperglycemia 2. Evaluating baseline coagulation studies 3. Ensuring suction is available at all times 4. Determining if a baseline electrocardiogram was completed

4 1 The patient who is prescribed corticosteroids or insulin, not amiodarone, requires monitoring for hyperglycemia before the surgical procedure. 2 Baseline coagulation studies are monitored for patients who are taking anticoagulants, not antiarrhythmics. 3 Ensuring that suction is always available is essential for the patient who is prescribed antiseizure medication. 4 Patients who are prescribed antiarrhythmic agents, such as amiodarone, should have a baseline electrocardiogram completed before the surgical procedure.

The nurse correlates an increased risk of infection because of immunosuppression to which patient condition? 1. Anxiety 2. Delirium 3. Pain 4. Depression

1 Anxiety also plays a role in increasing the risk of infection by decreasing the immune system response. 2 Anxiety, not delirium, has been associated with an increased risk of infection as a result of a decreased immune response. 3 Anxiety, not pain, has been associated with an increased risk of infection as a result of a decreased immune response. 4 Anxiety, not depression, has been associated with an increased risk of infection as a result of a decreased immune response.

The nurse must verify a patient's identity during the first time-out process. Which actions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply. 1. Asking the patient to state his or her name 2. Asking the patient to state his or her date of birth 3. Asking the patient to state his or her Social Security number 4. Comparing the patient's picture on the ID band to the patient 5. Verifying the listed address in the medical record with the patient's spouse

1, 2, 3, 4 1 This is correct. Having the patient state his or her name is an appropriate action when identifying the patient's identity during the first time-out process. 2 This is correct. Having the patient state his or her date of birth is an appropriate action when identifying the patient's identity during the first time-out process. 3 This is correct. Having the patient state his or her Social Security number is an appropriate action when identifying the patient's identity during the first time-out process. 4 This is correct. Comparing the patient to a photo on the ID band is an appropriate action when identifying the patient's identity during the first time-out process. 5 This is incorrect. The patient must confirm this information if competent. There is no indication that the patient in this scenario is not competent; therefore, this is not an appropriate action by the nurse when confirming identity during the first time-out process.

In working in perioperative services, the nurse understands that which of the following are the required components of the informed consent for the actual surgical procedure being planned? Select all that apply. 1. Name and reason for the surgery 2. Length of time of the surgery 3. Name of surgeon performing the surgery 4. Number of times the surgeon has performed the procedure 5. All alternative options to surgery

1, 3, 5 1 This is correct. Consent for the procedure itself includes the name, type, and reason for the surgery; name of the surgeon to perform the surgery; reason that intervention will benefit the patient; all alternative options to surgery; and potential outcomes if surgery is not performed. 2 This is incorrect. The length of time is not a required component of the consent for the surgical procedure. 3 This is correct. Consent for the procedure itself includes the name, type, and reason for the surgery; name of the surgeon to perform the surgery; reason that intervention will benefit the patient; all alternative options to surgery; and potential outcomes if surgery is not performed. 4 This is incorrect. Although the patient and family may be interested, the number of times the surgeon has performed the procedure is not a required component of the consent for the surgical procedure. 5 This is correct. Consent for the procedure itself include the name, type, and reason for the surgery; name of the surgeon to perform the surgery; reason that intervention will benefit the patient; all alternative options to surgery; and potential outcomes if surgery is not performed.

The nurse educator for surgical services is planning an educational session related to informed consent. Which of the following situations requires two signatures on the consent form? Select all that apply. 1. The patient can only mark with an "x." 2. The patient is deaf. 3. The patient is a minor. 4. The patient is incapable of signing. 5. The patient speaks another language.

1, 4 1 This is correct. Patients who cannot physically sign but are able to make their own care decisions may sign with an "x." This consent needs to be witnessed by two people instead of just one as normally required. 2 This is incorrect. If the patient speaks another language or is deaf, a hospital interpreter may be used to obtain consent, but two signatures are not required. The hospital interpreter is familiar with the medical terms being used. 3 This is incorrect. Surgical consent for minors may be signed by the parents or legal guardian of the child, but two signatures are not required. 4 This is correct. If the patient is incapable of giving consent, two providers document the need for surgery. This is acceptable only if medical power of attorney or next of kin is unreachable or the surgery is emergent and the patient has no support present. 5 This is incorrect. If the patient speaks another language or is deaf, a hospital interpreter may be used to obtain consent, but two signatures are not required. The hospital interpreter is familiar with the medical terms being used.

The nurse is admitting an older adult patient for surgery. Which specific assessments are most important to include when preparing this patient for surgery? Select all that apply. 1. Number of living siblings 2. Medications currently being taken 3. Cognitive status 4. Skin integrity 5. Hobbies and entertainment preferences

2, 3, 4 1 This is incorrect. For older patients, it is important to assess their support system, but the number of living siblings is not the priority. 2 This is correct. Polypharmacy, the use of multiple drugs, from multiple providers, purchased at multiple pharmacies, can lead to medication interactions that can also impact medications given during the perioperative period. 3 This is correct. Cognitive and sensory function is important in older adults because issues with cognition interferes with the ability to give informed consent for procedure. Additionally, do they understand the risks and outcomes of the surgery? Will they be able to follow postoperative teaching? 4 This is correct. Skin assessment is very important because older adults often have decreased adipose tissue, which can lead to increased risk of hypothermia during surgery. They very often also have changes in the epidermis, which can lead to a risk of shearing injury to the skin and delayed healing. The older patient is going to need assistance once discharged and should have the necessary medical equipment, such as walkers and raised toilet seats, assistance with transportation, or extended care. 5 This is incorrect. Although knowing the older adult's hobbies and entertainments preferences helps the nurse better understand these leisure activities, they are not a priority assessment in the preoperative period.

Which action is the priority when providing care to a patient in the preoperative period? 1. Admitting the patient to the facility 2. Educating the patient on the surgical process 3. Ensuring the patient's preoperative checklist is complete 4. Answering all questions for the patient about surgery

3 1 Although this is an appropriate nursing action, it is not the priority. 2 Although this is an appropriate nursing action, it is not the priority. 3 The preoperative nurse takes on a multitude of roles including educator, advocator, and admittance nurse. The nurse's main priority is to complete a preoperative checklist. Each facility's unique checklist ensures that the necessary documentation, admission assessment, physical preparation, and educational needs have been completed before the patient enters the surgical suite. 4 Although this is an appropriate nursing action, it is not the priority.

The nurse provides care to a patient who is having surgery later in the day. The patient has contractures to both hands but is legally competent. Which action does the nurse implement during the informed consent process? 1. Asking a family member to sign the patient's consent form 2. Obtaining consent for patient's procedure from the surgeon 3. Telling the patient to place an "x" on the signature line of the consent form 4. Documenting that no consent form is required based on the patient's procedure

3 1 The patient is competent and, if physically unable, may sign with an "x." 2 The surgeon is not able to provide consent for a procedure for a patient who is competent. 3 Patients who cannot physically sign but are able to make their own care decisions may sign with an "x." This consent needs to be witnessed by two people instead of just one as normally required. 4 All surgical procedures require a signed informed consent unless the circumstances are "loss of life or limb."

The nurse is conducting a medication assessment for a preoperative patient. Which action by the nurse is appropriate for the patient who is prescribed dexamethasone? 1. Obtaining a baseline electrocardiogram 2. Monitoring blood pressure 3. Assessing for hyperglycemia 4. Tapering the drug 2 days before surgery

3 1 This nursing action is appropriate for a patient who is prescribed an antiarrhythmic. 2 This nursing action is appropriate for a patient who is prescribed an antihypertensive drug. 3 The prescribed drug is a corticosteroid; therefore, the most appropriate nursing action is to assess the patient for hyperglycemia. 4 The nursing action is appropriate for a patient who is prescribed an anticoagulant drug.

The nurse is conducting a medication assessment for a preoperative patient. Which action by the nurse is appropriate for the patient who is prescribed phenobarbital? 1. Obtaining a baseline electrocardiogram 2. Monitoring blood pressure 3. Maintaining the drug during the perioperative period 4. Assessing blood glucose levels closely during the perioperative period

3 1 This nursing action is appropriate for a patient who is prescribed an antiarrhythmic. 2 This nursing action is appropriate for a patient who is prescribed an antihypertensive drug. 3 The prescribed drug is a medication used to control seizures; therefore, this drug should be maintained during the perioperative period. 4 The nursing action is appropriate for a patient who is prescribed insulin for diabetes management.

What information does the nurse teach the patient regarding NPO status before a surgical procedure? 1. Nothing solid by mouth for 12 to 14 hours before surgery 2. Nothing solid by mouth for 10 to 12 hours before surgery 3. Nothing solid by mouth for 8 to 10 hours before surgery 4. Nothing solid by mouth for 6 to 8 hours before surgery

4 1 Although it is important to follow agency guidelines, recent evidence for elective surgery includes advising the patient to be NPO 6 to 8 hours for solid foods and 2 hours for clear fluids. 2 Although it is important to follow agency guidelines, recent evidence for elective surgery includes advising the patient to be NPO 6 to 8 hours for solid foods and 2 hours for clear fluids. 3 Although it is important to follow agency guidelines, recent evidence for elective surgery includes advising the patient to be NPO 6 to 8 hours for solid foods and 2 hours for clear fluids. 4 Typically, all patients requiring surgical intervention should have had nothing to eat or drink (NPO) for at least 8 hours before the procedure; however, more recent guidelines restrict solid foods for 6 to 8 hours and liquids for 2 hours. This is to decrease the risk of aspiration of food particles into the lungs through emesis. The preoperative nurse is responsible for documenting the last oral intake.

The nurse is completing the health history that is conducted during the preoperative period. What is the priority assessment? 1. Caretaker after discharge 2. Oral intake over the last day 3. Bowel elimination pattern 4. Previous response to anesthesia

4 1 Although the support system and living conditions should be assessed, it is unnecessary to determine a specific caregiver after discharge. 2 Last oral intake, not intake over the previous day, is information collected. 3 It is important for the nurse to note typical bowel habits, but prior negative responses to anesthesia are of more concern. 4 Any negative responses to anesthesia or wound healing should be determined at this time.