Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery of

the left hand and is wearing a ring. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take to keep the client's ring safe?
Place the ring

Answer 1

A nurse should ensure the client's ring is safely stored before surgery. Options include removing it with consent, safely securing it in a labeled personal property bag, and adhering to hospital policies for personal items.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse tasked with the care of a client scheduled for surgery needs to ensure the client's ring is kept safe if it cannot be removed. The safety of personal items is a priority in the perioperative setting. There are several appropriate actions a nurse can take, including:

• Encouraging the client to remove the ring voluntarily if possible.
• In case the client cannot remove the ring, the nurse may need to seek assistance from the healthcare team to potentially use a lubricant or a ring cutter if necessary and with consent.
• Documenting the existence and condition of the ring in the client's medical record.
• Securing the ring by placing it into a personal property bag that is labeled with the client's information, which is then stored in a secure location.

The nurse should follow the hospital's policies and procedures for handling personal items to ensure chain of custody and reduce the risk of loss or damage to the client's property.