Question

During the preoperative assessment of the patient scheduled for a right cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation, it is most important for the nurse to assess

a. the visual acuity of the patient's left eye.
b. how long the patient has had the cataract.
c. for a white pupil in the patient's right eye.
d. for a history of reactions to general anesthetics.

Answer 1

The most important factor to assess during the preoperative assessment for cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation is the patient's history of reactions to general anesthetics.

Step-by-step explanation:

Determining the most important factor to assess during the preoperative assessment for a patient scheduled for right cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation can be complex. Nonetheless, it is crucial to consider the patient’s overall health, including any potential reactions to anesthesia. Therefore, option (d) for a history of reactions to general anesthetics is most important because it directly affects the surgical procedure's safety and the patient's well-being during surgery. Knowing the visual acuity of the left eye, how long the cataract has been present, or confirming the presence of a white pupil in the right eye, while important, are not as immediately critical to the safety of the anesthetic and surgical procedure.