The nurse is caring for a patient in the preoperative holding area of an ambulatory surgery center. Which nursing action would be most appropriate for this area?

Question

a. Monitor vital signs every 15 minutes.
b. Empty the urinary drainage bag.
c. Apply a warm blanket.
d. Check the surgical dressing.

Answer 1

C
The temperature in the preoperative holding area and in adjacent operating suites is usually cool. Offer the patient an extra warm blanket. The main activities in this area include verification of the patient, the surgery to be performed, and physical and emotional readiness for the procedure. The intravenous catheter is usually inserted, and the preoperative checklist is reviewed. Vital signs are not normally monitored unless there is a specific reason, such as a medication being administered. Typically, ambulatory surgery patients will not come to the holding area with a urinary drainage bag or a surgical dressing. These activities if appropriate are performed in the postanesthesia care unit.