What is the correct term for the nursing action of deciding that a nonverbal patient who just had surgery is in pain and administering an analgesic, based on the observation that the patient moans with position changes, the hands are clenched, and the skin is very sweaty?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because insisting that the patient remove the bracelet and give it to a family member during surgery is not the most appropriate action of the nurse. This action may violate the patient's right to autonomy, religious freedom, and cultural sensitivity. The nurse should respect the patient's beliefs and preferences and try to accommodate them as much as possible, unless they pose a significant risk to the patient's safety or the surgical procedure.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because notifying the patient’s surgeon of the patient’s refusal to remove the bracelet before having surgery is not the most appropriate action of the nurse. This action may imply that the patient is non-compliant or difficult, and may create a conflict between the patient and the surgeon. The nurse should communicate with the patient and the surgeon in a respectful and collaborative manner, and seek a mutually agreeable solution.

Choice C reason: This is the correct choice because calling the operating room staff to determine if the bracelet can stay on during surgery is the most appropriate action of the nurse. This action shows that the nurse is willing to advocate for the patient and to consult with the relevant authorities to find out the best option. The nurse should follow the policies and protocols of the operating room and the infection control guidelines, and ensure that the bracelet does not interfere with the surgical site, the equipment, or the sterile field.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because removing the bracelet from the patient's wrist after sedating medication has been administered is not the most appropriate action of the nurse. This action may be considered unethical, dishonest, or disrespectful, as the nurse is taking advantage of the patient's altered mental status and going against the patient's wishes. The nurse should obtain the patient's informed consent before performing any intervention, and should not deceive or coerce the patient.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Documenting the finding in the patient’s medical record is an important step, but not the most appropriate first action of the nurse. The nurse should first confirm the irregularity by counting the apical pulse.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Assessing the brachial pulse for a pulse deficit is a useful technique, but not the most appropriate first action of the nurse. A pulse deficit is the difference between the apical and radial pulse rates. The nurse should first count the apical pulse before comparing it with the radial pulse.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Notifying the health care provider immediately is a necessary step, but not the most appropriate first action of the nurse. The nurse should first gather more information by counting the apical pulse and determining the type and severity of the irregularity.

Choice D reason: This is correct. Counting the patient’s apical pulse for one full minute is the most appropriate first action of the nurse. The apical pulse is the most accurate way to measure the heart rate and rhythm. The nurse should listen to the heart sounds at the apex of the heart, which is located at the fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line. The nurse should count the number of beats and note any irregularities, such as skipped, extra, or uneven beats..