The nurse is caring for a patient with the following vital signs:
Temperature: 98.9°F
Pulse: 94
Respirations: 20
Blood pressure: 144/94
Pulse oximetry: 94%
What is the priority action of the nurse?

Choice A reason: This is correct. Taking metoprolol to treat hypertension can put the patient at high risk for development of vision problems. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker medication that can lower the blood pressure and heart rate. It can also reduce the blood flow to the eyes and cause dry eyes, blurred vision, or eye irritation.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Taking docusate sodium for constipation does not put the patient at high risk for development of vision problems. Docusate sodium is a stool softener medication that can ease the passage of hard stools. It does not have any direct effect on the eyes or vision.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Taking acetaminophen for osteoarthritis pain does not put the patient at high risk for development of vision problems. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever medication that can reduce inflammation and fever. It does not have any significant impact on the eyes or vision.

Choice D reason: This is correct. Taking insulin glulisine for type 1 diabetes can put the patient at high risk for development of vision problems. Insulin glulisine is a fast-acting insulin medication that can lower the blood sugar level. It can also cause fluctuations in the fluid balance and pressure in the eyes, leading to blurred vision, cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy.

Choice E reason: This is correct. Taking prednisone for multiple sclerosis can put the patient at high risk for development of vision problems. Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that can suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. It can also increase the intraocular pressure and cause cataracts, glaucoma, or optic nerve damage.

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because insisting that the patient remove the bracelet and give it to a family member during surgery is not the most appropriate action of the nurse. This action may violate the patient's right to autonomy, religious freedom, and cultural sensitivity. The nurse should respect the patient's beliefs and preferences and try to accommodate them as much as possible, unless they pose a significant risk to the patient's safety or the surgical procedure.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because notifying the patient’s surgeon of the patient’s refusal to remove the bracelet before having surgery is not the most appropriate action of the nurse. This action may imply that the patient is non-compliant or difficult, and may create a conflict between the patient and the surgeon. The nurse should communicate with the patient and the surgeon in a respectful and collaborative manner, and seek a mutually agreeable solution.

Choice C reason: This is the correct choice because calling the operating room staff to determine if the bracelet can stay on during surgery is the most appropriate action of the nurse. This action shows that the nurse is willing to advocate for the patient and to consult with the relevant authorities to find out the best option. The nurse should follow the policies and protocols of the operating room and the infection control guidelines, and ensure that the bracelet does not interfere with the surgical site, the equipment, or the sterile field.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because removing the bracelet from the patient's wrist after sedating medication has been administered is not the most appropriate action of the nurse. This action may be considered unethical, dishonest, or disrespectful, as the nurse is taking advantage of the patient's altered mental status and going against the patient's wishes. The nurse should obtain the patient's informed consent before performing any intervention, and should not deceive or coerce the patient.