ATI Med-surg: Perioperative Nursing Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

ATI Med-surg: Perioperative Nursing Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified Why are allergies reviewed preoperatively? To prevent allergic reactions to medications or materials What does a preoperative checklist help prevent? Missed steps and surgical errors Why is skin preparation done before surgery? To reduce the risk of surgical site infection What is the nurse’s role during a “time-out” procedure? To verify correct patient, site, and procedure Why are surgical counts performed? To ensure no instruments or sponges are left inside the patient What is sterile technique used for in surgery? To prevent contamination and infection Why is patient positioning important during surgery? 2 To prevent nerve damage and pressure injuries What does general anesthesia do? Causes loss of consciousness and pain sensation Why is patient identification verified before surgery? To prevent wrong-patient and wrong-procedure errors What does “perioperative” mean? The period covering preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care Why is informed consent important before surgery? It confirms the patient understands and agrees to the procedure What should a nurse check first when a patient arrives in the preoperative area? Patient identity and surgical procedure Why are baseline vital signs taken before surgery? To compare with postoperative values and detect changes What is the purpose of NPO status before surgery? To reduce the risk of aspiration during anesthesia 3 What is regional anesthesia? Anesthesia that numbs a specific area of the body Why is oxygen saturation monitored intraoperatively? To ensure adequate oxygenation What is the purpose of a Foley catheter during surgery? To monitor urine output and bladder status Why are warming devices used in the operating room? To prevent hypothermia What is the nurse’s role in maintaining sterility? To monitor the field and correct breaks in technique Why is blood loss closely monitored during surgery? To detect hemorrhage early What does PACU stand for? Post-Anesthesia Care Unit 4 What is the main priority in the PACU? Airway, breathing, and circulation Why is the patient positioned on their side after anesthesia? To prevent aspiration What does a decreased level of consciousness after surgery indicate? Possible effects of anesthesia or complications Why is pain assessed frequently postoperatively? To manage comfort and detect complications What is the purpose of incentive spirometry after surgery? To prevent atelectasis and improve lung expansion Why are deep breathing exercises encouraged? To reduce respiratory complications