A patient is scheduled for surgery at 1:00 PM today. The nurse knows that surgery will most likely need to be rescheduled when the patient states...

A. Notify the surgeon that the informed consent process is not complete.The nurse should inform the surgeon because the surgeon is responsible for ensuring that the patient has adequate information and understands the procedure. It is not appropriate for the nurse to proceed with the consent process if the patient has questions or uncertainties.

B. Notify the operating room nurse to give a more complete explanation of the procedure.While the operating room nurse plays a role in the surgical process, it is the surgeon’s responsibility to provide a complete explanation of the procedure.

C. Provide a thorough explanation of the planned surgical procedure.While it’s important to provide information, the nurse is not authorized to explain the surgical procedure in detail. The surgeon should explain the surgery, as they have the training and knowledge to address all aspects of the procedure and answer any specific questions.

D. Give the prescribed preoperative antibiotics and withhold sedative medications.Administering preoperative medications, including antibiotics, without completed informed consent would be inappropriate. The patient must fully understand the procedure and consent to it before any medications are given.

The nurse explains that immobilizing a fracture will:

• Help align the bone fragments and reduce movement, which is crucial for proper healing. Immobilization can help maintain the stability of the fracture site, allowing the bones to knit together and heal.
• Help to minimize movement and subsequent pain. It provides support and reduces stress on the injured area, which can help alleviate discomfort and promote a more comfortable healing process.
• Help to minimize movement and reduce the risk of fat globules from bone marrow entering the bloodstream and causing a fat embolism, a potentially serious complication.

Preventing blood clots, preventing malignant hyperthermia, and immobilizing a fracture are not directly related. Preventing blood clots typically involves other measures such as early mobilization, elevation, and medication to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Malignant hyperthermia is a rare, potentially life-threatening reaction to certain medications used during anesthesia, and immobilization does not directly prevent it.