In the OR, you observe the scrub nurse and the circulating nurse performing their functions. A grounding pad is placed beneath the patient. The purpose of the pad is to

A. Ease the stiffness from being on the operating table. While leg exercises can help relieve stiffness, their primary purpose is not to address the stiffness from surgery but to improve circulation and prevent complications.

B. Decrease pain from immobile extremities. Leg exercises may reduce discomfort associated with immobility, but the main goal is to prevent complications such as blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

C. Increase venous return and decrease stasis. Leg exercises are primarily aimed at improving venous return to the heart and reducing the risk of stasis, which can lead to complications like DVT.

D. Increase activity to help prevent atelectasis. While increasing activity is important for overall recovery, leg exercises are more focused on circulation and preventing blood clots, not directly preventing atelectasis (a condition where the lungs partially collapse).

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.