Med/Surg - Preoperative Care Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

Med/Surg - Preoperative Care Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified Why is a full health history essential before surgery? To identify conditions that may affect anaesthesia or healing What does assessing baseline vital signs help the nurse detect later? Postoperative deviations from normal Why is the patient’s last oral intake documented? To assess aspiration risk What is the purpose of confirming the surgical procedure with the patient? To ensure accuracy and patient understanding Why should over-the-counter medications be reviewed preoperatively? They may affect bleeding or anaesthesia What does assessing exercise tolerance indicate before surgery? Cardiopulmonary reserve Why is preoperative skin integrity assessed? 2 To identify infection risk or pressure injury risk What does a preoperative pain assessment establish? A baseline for postoperative pain management Why is alcohol use assessed before surgery? It can affect liver function and anaesthetic response What is the goal of preoperative respiratory assessment? To identify risks for breathing complications Why are herbal supplements reviewed before surgery? Some increase bleeding or interact with drugs What should the nurse assess about vision or hearing aids? When to remove and safely store them Why is bowel pattern assessed preoperatively? To anticipate postoperative elimination needs What is the purpose of teaching incentive spirometry before surgery? To improve postoperative lung expansion 3 Why is a fall-risk assessment done preoperatively? Anaesthesia and medications increase fall risk What does assessing nutritional status help predict? Wound healing ability Why is baseline cognitive status documented? To identify postoperative delirium What should be assessed regarding sleep patterns? Risk of fatigue and recovery challenges Why is patient understanding of the procedure checked? To ensure informed participation What is the purpose of reviewing previous anaesthesia experiences? To identify adverse reactions Why is peripheral circulation assessed before surgery? To monitor postoperative perfusion changes 4 What does assessing support systems help plan? Safe discharge and recovery Why is a preoperative checklist completed? To confirm all safety steps are done What is the goal of preoperative teaching about mobility? To promote early ambulation Why is urinary function assessed before surgery? To identify risk of retention