A newly licensed nurse is obtaining consent for a surgical procedure.
Which action by the newly licensed nurse is most appropriate?

Choice C rationale:

In this situation, the nurse should continue to teach the patient about his medications despite his disinterest. It is essential for the patient to be knowledgeable about his own medications, as he will be responsible for taking them once discharged. While involving family members in the teaching process can be beneficial, the primary responsibility lies with the patient. Documenting the patient's request is also important for the record, but it does not replace the need for the patient to be informed about his medications.

Choice A rationale:

Reminding the patient of his responsibility is a good initial approach, but it should be followed by continued teaching to ensure the patient understands his medications thoroughly.

Choice B rationale:

Documenting the patient's request is important, but it does not address the patient's lack of interest in learning about his medications. The nurse should still provide education to the patient.

Choice D rationale:

Asking the patient why his wife knows about his medications is confrontational and may not be well-received by the patient. It does not address the primary issue, which is the patient's disinterest in learning about his medications.

Choice A rationale:

Placing pillows under the patient's hips and knees before turning is a supportive measure but is not the nursing priority during the logrolling procedure. While it helps maintain proper body alignment, it is not the primary focus of the procedure.

Choice B rationale:

Turning the patient only to the right side and never to the left is incorrect. Patients should be turned gently and carefully to either side, depending on the situation and the patient's condition. Restricting the movement to only one side can cause discomfort and potential injury to the patient.

Choice C rationale:

Raising the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees before turning is a good practice to prevent aspiration and facilitate breathing. However, it is not the priority step when logrolling a patient. Proper body alignment and support are essential to prevent injuries during the procedure.

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer. Keeping the head, neck, back, hips, and legs in alignment with each other is the nursing priority when logrolling a patient. This technique ensures that the patient's spine is supported and prevents twisting or bending, reducing the risk of injury. It is crucial for the healthcare provider to coordinate the movement carefully to maintain proper alignment throughout the procedure.