Final answer:
The nurse should provide clarification and ensure the patient's understanding of the surgery and all related processes. The nurse also plays a pivotal role in confirming critical details with the surgical team during pre-operative checklists and time outs to maintain patient safety and care quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
In fulfilling the role of an advocate in a medical setting, the nurse should ensure that the patient fully understands the surgery they are about to undergo. Given the scenario where the patient did not understand the information provided by the doctor, the nurse should take the opportunity to clarify any uncertainties the patient may have regarding the procedure, its risks, expected outcomes, and any other related concerns. The nurse should also verify that informed consent was truly obtained by ensuring the patient's understanding of what they signed. This action not only aligns with nursing ethics and patient rights but is also crucial for patient safety and the quality of care. Moreover, it is important to make sure that pre-operative checklists, addressing items such as procedure verification, needle and sponge counts, equipment issues, and proper labeling of specimens, are reviewed and understood by the patient.
Before the surgery and during the time out, the entire surgical team, including the nurse, should orally confirm critical aspects of the patient's care, such as the identity of the patient, surgical site and procedure, and any anticipated critical events. This collaborative approach, involving the surgeon, anesthesia staff, and nursing team, ensures that all aspects of the patient's care are addressed and that the patient's wellbeing is maintained throughout the perioperative period. The nurse plays a critical role in this process by providing direct supervision and ensuring all preparations are made for a sterile and accurate procedure.