Final answer:
In preparation for an exploratory laparotomy, the nurse should provide emotional support, assess vital signs, ensure informed consent is obtained, and administer prophylactic antibiotics, ideally 60 minutes before the incision.
Step-by-step explanation:
In preparing a client for an exploratory laparotomy, which is a surgical procedure involving an incision through the abdominal wall to gain access into the abdominal cavity, the nurse has several responsibilities to ensure patient safety and preparedness for surgery. The four actions that the nurse should take include:
- Provide emotional support: This helps to alleviate anxiety and allows the patient to express concerns or ask questions.
- Assess vital signs: This is a baseline check to ensure that the patient is stable before proceeding to surgery.
- Ensure informed consent is obtained: Confirmation that the patient understands the procedure and its risks, and has given permission for it to proceed.
- Administer prophylactic antibiotics: This is to prevent postoperative infection, typically given 60 minutes before the incision.
While administering pain medication and laxatives may also be a part of preoperative care, these are conditional based on the surgical procedure and the specific orders of the surgeon. All team members should confirm critical information about the patient and surgical procedure to ensure patient safety.