A patient undergoing preadmission testing before same day surgery asks how long he will remain in the recovery area before being allowed to go home. The nurse's most informative response would be:

A. The opinion of a second surgeon is sought regarding the necessity of the surgery. This is an appropriate course of action when consent cannot be obtained from the patient or family, especially in emergency situations to ensure the necessity of surgery.

B. The surgeon will write a detailed note about the need for surgery and a registered nurse will then sign the consent. RNs do not have the legal authority to sign surgical consent forms, which should be signed by a legal guardian or the healthcare provider in emergencies when appropriate.

C. The hospital social worker can sign the permit. Social workers do not have the authority to sign consent forms. Consent must typically come from a legally authorized individual.

D. The hospital attorney must authorize the surgery and sign the consent form. The hospital attorney is not typically involved in emergency decision-making about surgery unless there are significant legal concerns, which is not the case in this scenario.

A. Observe the amount of drainage from the surgical site. While the nurse in the PACU should monitor for complications, the primary focus is on the patient’s immediate recovery, such as airway management and vital signs. Drainage is important but is usually addressed once the patient is stable.

B. Assist the patient to maintain a patent airway. The primary role in the PACU is to monitor and maintain the patient’s airway. Ensuring that the patient is breathing properly is the most critical priority immediately postoperatively.

C. Keep the family posted on the patient's condition. While family communication is important, it is not the primary function of the nurse in the PACU, as the focus should be on monitoring the patient’s immediate condition post-surgery.

D. Maintain safety for the patient while unconscious. The nurse in the PACU must ensure that the patient is safe while unconscious, including monitoring for complications from anesthesia and ensuring that the patient’s vital signs remain stable.

E. Stimulate the patient to hasten return of consciousness. While it is important to help the patient regain consciousness, this should be done gently. The nurse should not aggressively stimulate the patient, as anesthesia will wear off naturally over time.