What is the perioperative nurse’s role regarding medication preparation?

• A. Only document medications prepared for patients
• B. Assess patient medication allergies and supplement use
• C. Administer the medication without verification
• D. Prepare medications without patient assessment

Answer: (B)

The perioperative nurse plays a crucial role in ensuring patient safety, particularly concerning medication preparation. Assessing patient medication allergies and supplement use is essential because it helps to prevent adverse reactions and ensures that the medications administered are safe and appropriate for the patient. This assessment involves gathering a comprehensive medication history, understanding the patient's current medications, and identifying any known allergies that could potentially lead to complications during surgery. By doing so, the perioperative nurse contributes to the multimodal safety checks that are critical in the surgical environment. This preventive measure not only protects patients but also aligns with best practices in perioperative care, ultimately leading to better surgical outcomes.