The Perioperative Patient for Registered Nurses

Recognizing Stress, Anxiety, and Understanding when Completing the Preoperative Checklist

The circulating nurse assesses the patient right before bringing them into the OR for their surgical procedure. No matter what the procedure is (an inguinal hernia or a craniotomy), this can be an incredibly stressful time for a patient and their family.

If the patient has a language barrier or hearing impairment, it can be even more challenging.

It is important to recognize cultural considerations as well. In cultures where respect for authority is high, patients may want to please the healthcare providers and give answers they think you are looking for.

In all cases, it is important to assess for understanding. If there is a language barrier, use:

  1. Assistive technology offered through the hospital institution such as a ‘language line.’
  2. An in-house translator when possible. For elective surgery, this can often be arranged in advance.
  3. Avoid using a family member to translate. However, in emergency situations, this may be necessary to ensure patient understanding.
🧠 Graded Activity

In Blackboard, complete the following Graded Blackboard Activity: Recognizing Stress, Anxiety, and Understanding.

Building Rapport while Completing the Preoperative Checklist

The circulating nurse only has a few minutes to interview and assess the patient preoperatively. During this time, they must review pertinent information to ensure the patient is prepared and build rapport with them and their family/support person.

It is understandable that patients may be anxious or nervous before surgery. It is important that the circulating nurse address these feelings with honest and supportive communication while not promising desired outcomes.

🧠 Graded Activity

In Blackboard, Complete the following Graded Blackboard Activity: Building Rapport.

Using Assessment Data to apply Perioperative Nursing Diagnoses

During the preoperative assessment, the circulating nurse must consider their findings to create diagnoses which will influence the plan of care in the OR.

(ORNAC, 2021)

🧩 Practice Activity

Use the previous and next buttons to navigate through questions. Select “Check” when you feel confident in your answer. When you have completed all the questions, select the “Finish” button.