Final answer:
When encountering a heart rate of 45 bpm and high blood pressure of 171/95 mmHg in a preoperative patient, the priority is to alert the anesthesia team for further assessment and potential intervention. Monitoring equipment should be checked to continuously assess the patient's health status.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient's vital signs in the preoperative holding area show a heart rate of 45 bpm (beats per minute) and a blood pressure of 171/95 mmHg, the priority action would be to immediately notify the anesthesia professional overseeing the patient's care. A heart rate of 45 bpm may indicate bradycardia, which can be a concern if the patient is symptomatic, while a blood pressure of 171/95 mmHg indicates hypertension. Both conditions necessitate assessment by the anesthesia professional to determine if the surgery should proceed or if further medical interventions are required prior to surgery. In addition, ensuring that monitoring equipment, such as a pulse oximeter, is properly attached and functioning is essential for continuously assessing the patient's physiological state.
The presence of abnormal vital signs like these prompts a review of the patient’s preoperative assessment, checking for allergies, evaluating the airway, and the risk of aspiration, and confirming consent and procedure details. Vital signs measurement follows a standard procedure with a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope and is crucial for ensuring patient safety before surgical procedures.