Which information in the preoperative patient's medication ...

[B]

Which information in the preoperative patient's medication history is most important to communicate to the health care provider?
 
  a. The patient uses acetaminophen (Tylenol) occasionally for aches and pains.
  b. The patient takes garlic capsules daily but did not take any on the surgical day.
  c. The patient has a history of cocaine use but quit using the drug over 10 years ago.
  d. The patient took a sedative medication the previous night to assist in falling asleep.

Question 2

When caring for a preoperative patient on the day of surgery, which actions included in the plan of care can the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Teach incentive spirometer use. d. Remove nail polish and apply pulse oximeter.
  b. Explain preoperative routine care. e. Transport the patient by stretcher to the operating room.
  c. Obtain and document baseline vital signs.

[chloejackso]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Chronic use of garlic may predispose to intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. The use of a sedative the previous night, occasional acetaminophen use, and a distant history of cocaine use will not usually affect the surgical outcome.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C, D, E
Obtaining vital signs, removing nail polish, pulse oximeter placement, and transport of the patient are routine skills that are appropriate to delegate. Teaching patients about the preoperative routine and incentive spirometer use require critical thinking and should be done by the registered nurse.