Evolve HESI Practice Exam

What question is most important for the nurse to include during the preoperative assessment of a client scheduled for surgery?

1. What is your favorite food?

2. Do you have any allergies?

3. What vitamin and mineral supplements do you take?

4. How do you feel about the surgery?

The correct answer is: What vitamin and mineral supplements do you take?

In the context of a preoperative assessment, the inquiry about vitamin and mineral supplements is crucial for several reasons. Many supplements can influence surgical outcomes, affect anesthesia administration, and interact with medications used during and after surgery. For instance, some supplements may increase the risk of bleeding, while others can impact blood pressure or heart function during the procedure. By understanding what supplements the client is taking, the nurse can identify potential risks and ensure that the surgical team is adequately informed and prepared. While the other options may hold some relevance to the patient's overall health, they do not possess the same critical risk factors associated with surgery. Knowing allergies is important, as it helps prevent adverse reactions to medications and materials used during the procedure, but it is not as specific to the surgical context as the use of supplements. Understanding dietary preferences could foster rapport but does not directly impact the surgical process or outcomes. Lastly, gauging the patient's emotional response to surgery is valuable for psychological support, but again, it does not carry the same immediate implications for the safety and effectiveness of the surgical procedure. Thus, the question regarding vitamin and mineral supplements should be prioritized during the preoperative assessment.