Final answer:
To avoid the risk of bleeding during a surgical procedure, the nurse should check the blood pressure (BP) of the patient in the preoperative assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
To avoid the risk of bleeding during a surgical procedure, the nurse should check the blood pressure (BP) of the patient in the preoperative assessment. Blood pressure is an important vital sign that indicates the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. High blood pressure can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. By monitoring and ensuring that the patient's blood pressure is within a normal range, the nurse can help reduce the risk of bleeding complications.