A client is leaving for surgery and because of preoperative sedation n

A client is leaving for surgery and because of preoperative sedation needs complete assistance to transfer from the bed to the stretcher. Which of the following should the nurse do first?

1. Elevate the head of the bed.
2. Explain the procedure to the client.
3. Place the client in the prone position.
4. Assess the situation for any potentially unsafe complications.

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Before transferring the client from the bed to the stretcher, the nurse should assess the situation for any potentially unsafe complications. The sedated client is transferred most easily in the su-pine position, unless contraindicated. The head of the bed should be at the same level as the head of the stretcher. This client has had preoperative sedation, which may impair his or her cognition. The nurse should simplify instructions when explaining the procedure to the client, but this should be done immediately before transferring the client.