Question

When the nurse prepares to administer a preoperative medication to a patient, the patient tells the nurse that she really does not understand what the surgeon plans to do.

What action should be taken by the nurse?

a) Explain the surgical procedure to the patient in detail.
b) Administer the medication without further discussion.
c) Inform the surgeon about the patient's concerns.
d) Disregard the patient's statement and proceed with the medication.

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the surgeon about the patient's concerns regarding the lack of understanding about the surgical procedure. This supports the principle of informed consent and patient-centered care before surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient expresses uncertainty or lack of understanding regarding their upcoming surgery, it is paramount for the healthcare team to address these concerns before proceeding. The correct action for the nurse in this situation would be c) Inform the surgeon about the patient's concerns. This is because it is the responsibility of the surgical team to ensure that the patient has a complete understanding of the procedure, including risks, benefits, and expectations for recovery and care.

The 'Time out' process before surgery includes oral confirmations by the team, ensuring the patient's identity, surgical site, and procedure are double-checked. The surgeon, nursing staff, and anesthesia professionals review critical concerns specific to the patient. The nurse's role includes verifying procedure details, sterility, and equipment, amongst other checks. Therefore, engaging with the patient to clarify these points reinforces the standard of delivering safe, patient-centered care.