Question

The perioperative nurse must check the patient's ___________ before administering the medications onto the sterile field.

a) height
b) gag reflex
c) allergies
d) all of the above

Answer 1

The perioperative nurse must check the patient's allergies before administering medications onto the sterile field to prevent allergic reactions and ensure patient safety during surgery. This is part of the surgical safety checklist conducted by the medical team.

Step-by-step explanation:

The perioperative nurse must check the patient's allergies before administering medications onto the sterile field. It is crucial to ensure patient safety and prevent any allergic reactions during surgery. Part of the surgical safety checklist includes a 'time out' procedure where team members, including nurses, surgeons, and anesthesia professionals, orally confirm several items including the patient's identity, surgical site and procedure, consent, whether the team is aware of any known allergies the patient has, and the proper labeling of any specimens. Additionally, before the induction of anesthesia, nurses confirm sterility and readiness of equipment, which implies checking for potential allergic reactions to any medications that will be used.