A client is scheduled for elective surgery and arrives in the preoperative holding area wearing dentures. The client reports taking morning medications with a small sip of water according to written instructions. Which actions should the nurse complete before the client is transferred from the holding area? Select all that apply.
Select All That Apply
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
Before transfer, the nurse verifies the medication list and the time of the last doses (Choice 1), confirms identity with two approved identifiers (Choice 4), and reconciles allergies and the health history (Choice 6). Dentures should be removed and secured before anesthesia rather than left until after induction (Choice 2). A consent form and schedule are verification documents, not two patient identifiers (Choice 3). The nurse must confirm the actual time of the client's last food and fluid intake instead of assuming that correctly timed morning medication proves NPO compliance (Choice 5).
Clinical Reasoning Before transfer, the nurse verifies the medication list and the time of the last doses (Choice 1), confirms identity with two approved identifiers (Choice 4), and reconciles allergies and the health history (Choice 6). Dentures should be removed and secured before anesthesia rather than left until after induction (Choice 2). A consent form and schedule are verification documents, not two patient identifiers (Choice 3). The nurse must confirm the actual time of the client's last food and fluid intake instead of assuming that correctly timed morning medication proves NPO compliance (Choice 5).
Option Review
Correct — Medication reconciliation and the actual time of the last doses help identify interactions and determine whether the preoperative medication plan was followed.
Incorrect — Dentures are removed before anesthesia according to policy and secured as a personal item; waiting until after induction creates an airway and injury risk.
Incorrect — Documents are compared during verification, but they are not two independent patient identifiers. The nurse uses identifiers such as name and date of birth according to policy.
Correct — Two approved identifiers must be used to verify the client before a procedure and transfer of care.
Incorrect — The nurse verifies the actual time and type of all oral intake. Following medication instructions does not by itself establish complete NPO compliance.
Correct — Allergies and the health history must be checked and reconciled so the perioperative team can prevent avoidable reactions and complications.
Sources
12026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan
2ASA: Practice Guidelines for Preoperative Fasting
3Joint Commission: Right patient, right care
A client is scheduled for elective surgery and arrives at the preoperative area wearing dentures. The client reports taking morning medications with a small sip of water, following the preoperative instructions provided. The nurse must ensure all safety protocols are followed before the procedure.