A patient is awaiting surgery. The nurse's best rationale for assessing vital signs is to do which of the following?

a. Assess the patient's anxiety level.
b. Determine the patient's basal temperature.
c. Establish a baseline for vital signs comparisons.
d. Assess for any changes that may indicate infection.


C
Preoperative vital signs provide a baseline for intraoperative and postoperative comparison, because anesthetic agents and medications can alter vital signs. Preoperative assessment of vital signs is also important to detect fluid and electrolyte abnormalities. An elevated temperature is cause for concern. If a patient has an underlying infection, elective surgery will often be postponed until the infection is treated or resolved.

Nursing

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