Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is preoperative and is asking multiple questions about the risks of the procedure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

a) Provide the client with a detailed explanation of all potential risks.
b) Encourage the client to discuss concerns with the surgeon.
c) Reassure the client that the procedure is routine and low-risk.
d) Avoid discussing potential risks to prevent increased anxiety.

Answer 1

The nurse should encourage the client to discuss their concerns about the risks of the procedure with the surgeon, who is responsible for informing the patient about these risks as part of the informed consent process.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client is preoperative and has questions about the risks of the procedure, the nurse should encourage the client to discuss concerns with the surgeon. This is because surgeons are responsible for providing detailed explanations of the risks of surgical procedures. It is part of the informed consent process where patients should be made aware of potential risks, benefits, and alternatives to the procedure they are undergoing. Encouraging a dialogue between the patient and surgeon allows for individualized and specific information that addresses each unique concern of the patient.

Additionally, part of the surgical team's responsibility is to review aloud key concerns for the recovery and care of the patient. The surgeon typically reviews critical steps and expected outcomes such as operative duration and anticipated blood loss. The anesthesia staff will review concerns specific to the patient’s condition. Nursing staff play a critical role in ensuring equipment availability,confirmation of sterility, and addressing other concerns. While it is important for the nurse to be supportive and provide information, detailed surgical risks should be explained by the surgeon.