Question

A client is on call to the OR for an aortobifemoral bypass and the nurse administers the prescribed preoperative medication. After administering a preoperative medication to the client, what should the nurse do?

a) Encourage light ambulation.
b) Place the bed in a low position with the side rails up.
c) Tell the client that he will be asleep before he leaves for surgery.
d) Take the client's vital signs every 15 minutes.

Answer 1

The nurse should (b) place the bed in a low position and ensure the side rails are up after administering preoperative medication to a client, to maintain safety due to possible medication effects. The team also performs a 'time out' to confirm patient identity and procedure details.

Step-by-step explanation:

After administering a preoperative medication to the client, the nurse should place the bed in a low position with the side rails up. This is necessary to ensure the safety of the patient who may experience drowsiness or impaired mobility due to the medication. The care of the patient in the perioperative setting involves several important checks and confirmations by the medical team, including the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional.



It is crucial to ensure that the patient has verified identity, surgical site, and procedure, consent has been given, all essential imaging results are displayed, and all team members have introduced themselves and understand the role they play in patient care. Additionally, before surgery begins, a time out is performed to confirm these details once again and ensure that prophylactic antibiotics have been administered if needed, and that all equipment, including the pulse oximeter, is functioning and available.