The nurse is caring for a patient who will have surgery that morning. The patient usually takes an antihypertensive medication every morning. The patient has been nothing per os (NPO) since midnight. What action will the nurse perform?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should consult the surgeon about giving the antihypertensive medication in this situation. Depending on the patient's surgical procedure and anesthesia plan, it may be necessary to delay administration of the medication until after the surgery. Alternatively, the surgeon may allow the medication to be given with a small sip of water before the surgery, but this decision should be made in collaboration with the surgical team. Asking the patient to swallow the pill without water is not safe and could cause choking. Giving the medication with a small sip of water without consulting the surgeon could also be unsafe and contraindicated based on the patient's NPO status. Holding the medication until after surgery without consulting the surgeon could result in uncontrolled hypertension and potential complications.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Will Have