The nurse is aware that in both the very young and the older adult surgical patient, the risk is much higher for:

A. The procedure to be performed. The surgical consent form must clearly state the procedure that will be performed so the patient understands what they are agreeing to.

B. The need for the procedure. The patient should be informed about the reason for the procedure to understand the necessity of the surgery.

C. Time and date signed. The time and date the consent is signed must be documented to confirm that the consent was given prior to surgery.

D. The related risks and benefits of the procedure. Informed consent requires that the risks and benefits of the procedure be explained to the patient to ensure they understand what they are consenting to.

E. Marital status. Marital status is not relevant to the informed consent process. The form should focus on the surgery details, not personal information unrelated to the procedure.

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.