Question

The nurse is caring for the client who is preoperative for an exploratory laparotomy. Select the 4 actions that the nurse should take.

A. Confirming the client's identity and surgical site
B. Administering prescribed preoperative medications
C. Explaining the postoperative plan of care to the client
D. Ensuring the informed consent is signed
E. Withholding food and fluids for 8 hours before surgery
F. Performing a preoperative assessment of the client's pain

Answer 1

Before an exploratory laparotomy, the nurse should confirm the client's identity and surgical site, administer prescribed preoperative medications, ensure informed consent is signed, and withhold food and fluids for 8 hours.

Step-by-step explanation:

Actions the nurse should take before an exploratory laparotomy

1. Confirming the client's identity and surgical site: It is crucial to verify the patient's identity, surgical site, and procedure to prevent errors.
2. Administering prescribed preoperative medications: The nurse should ensure that the patient has received the appropriate medications prior to the surgery.
3. Ensuring the informed consent is signed: It is the nurse's responsibility to confirm that the patient has provided informed consent for the surgery.
4. Withholding food and fluids for 8 hours before surgery: It is necessary to follow the fasting guidelines to prevent complications during anesthesia.