A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for an elective surgery to remove rectal polyps. The nurse knows that this type of surgery is classified by degree of urgency as:

Choice A reason:

The standards and guidelines set by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) are based on "the best available evidence from research and expert opinion". This means that the perioperative nursing practice is informed by the most current and reliable sources of knowledge that support quality and safety in the operating room. The AORN guidelines for perioperative practice are the gold-standard in evidence-based recommendations to deliver safe perioperative patient care and achieve workplace safety.

Choice B reason:

The standards and guidelines set by the AORN are not based on "the preferences and values of individual surgeons and nurses”. because this would not ensure consistency, quality, or safety in the perioperative nursing practice. The preferences and values of individual practitioners may vary widely and may not reflect the best available evidence or the needs of the patients. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason:

The standards and guidelines set by the AORN are not based on "the policies and procedures of each health care facility”. because this would not ensure uniformity, quality, or safety in the perioperative nursing practice. The policies and procedures of each health care facility may differ depending on their resources, regulations, or goals. They may also be outdated or incomplete. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason:

The standards and guidelines set by the AORN are not based on "the feedback and satisfaction of patients and families”. because this would not ensure validity, quality, or safety in the perioperative nursing practice. The feedback and satisfaction of patients and families may be subjective, biased, or inaccurate. They may also not reflect the best available evidence or the professional standards of nursing. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice A reason:.

Emergency surgery is not the correct answer because this type of surgery is done for an urgent medical condition that may be life threatening, such as acute appendicitis or trauma. Rectal polyps are not an immediate threat to life, limb or organ survival.

Choice B reason:.

Urgent surgery is not the correct answer because this type of surgery is done for a condition that requires intervention within hours of decision to operate, such as debridement of fracture or laparotomy for perforation. Rectal polyps do not require such a rapid intervention.

Choice C reason:.

Elective surgery is the correct answer because this type of surgery is planned or booked in advance of routine admission to hospital. It may be done for a better quality of life or for a serious condition such as cancer, but not for a life-threatening condition. Rectal polyps fall under this category as they can be scheduled in advance and may be precancerous or cancerous.

Choice D reason:.

Optional surgery is not the correct answer because this term is not commonly used to classify surgery by degree of urgency. It may imply that the surgery is not medically necessary, but rather a personal preference, such as cosmetic surgery. Rectal polyps are not optional as they may cause symptoms or complications if left untreated.

Choice E reason:.

Routine surgery is not the correct answer because this term is also not commonly used to classify surgery by degree of urgency. It may imply that the surgery is done frequently or regularly, such as cataract surgery or tonsillectomy. Rectal polyps are not routine as they vary in size, number and location.