1. The nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. Which goal is a

priority for assessing the patient before surgery?

a. Plan for care after the procedure.

b. Establish a patient’s baseline of normal function.

c. Educate the patient and family about the procedure.

d. Gather appropriate equipment for the patient’s needs.

ANS: B

The goal of the preoperative assessment is to identify a patient’s normal

preoperative function and the presence of any risks to recognize, prevent, and

minimize possible postoperative complications. Gathering appropriate

equipment, planning care, and educating the patient and family are all

important interventions that must be provided for the surgical patient; they are

part of the nursing process but are not the priority reason/goal for completing

an assessment of the surgical patient.

2. The nurse is completing a medication history for the surgical patient

in preadmission testing. Which medication should the nurse instruct the

patient to hold (discontinue) in preparation for surgery according to

protocol?

a. Warfarin

b. Vitamin C

c. Prednisone

d. Acetaminophen

ANS: A

Medications such as warfarin or aspirin alter normal clotting factors and thus

increase the risk of hemorrhaging. Discontinue at least 48 hours before