Question

A nurse is providing preoperative teaching to a client who is scheduled for an open cholecystectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

1) Explain the procedure to the client
2) Administer pain medication to the client
3) Assist the client with ambulation
4) Monitor the client's vital signs

Answer 1

A nurse preparing a patient for an open cholecystectomy should explain the procedure, potentially administer pain medication postoperatively, assist with postoperative ambulation, and monitor the patient's vital signs before and after the surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

When providing preoperative teaching to a client who is scheduled for an open cholecystectomy, the nurse should undertake several important actions to prepare the patient for surgery. Firstly, explaining the procedure to the client is crucial, ensuring they understand what will happen during the surgery and what to expect afterward. Discussing postoperative care, such as monitoring for symptoms like abdominal pain or fever, is also essential.

Although it is not the nurse's role to administer pain medication preoperatively without an order, this may become necessary postoperatively, and the patient should be educated on pain management strategies. Assisting the client with ambulation may be part of postoperative care to aid recovery. Finally, the nurse must monitor the client's vital signs to assess for any complications and ensure stable condition before and after the procedure.