Question

The new nursing student is confused about where the patient's family (who are wearing street clothes) can be with the patient in the surgical suite. Which explanation should the perioperative nurse give to the student nurse?

1. The family is not allowed to talk to the nurse at the nursing station.
2. The family can be with the patient in the preoperative holding area.
3. The family cannot be with the patient until the postanesthesia care unit.
4. The family is only allowed in the conference room for preoperative teaching.

Answer 1

The family can be with the patient in the preoperative holding area, and then again in the postanesthesia care unit.

Step-by-step explanation:

The perioperative nurse should explain to the student nurse that the family can be with the patient in the preoperative holding area. This is the area where the patient prepares for surgery, and it is typically the last opportunity for the family to be with the patient before the surgery begins. Once the patient is taken into the surgical suite, the family will not be allowed to be with the patient until the postanesthesia care unit.