What action must a preoperative nurse take regarding a patient's medication?

The action a preoperative nurse must take regarding a patient's medication involves assessing the patient's allergies and any supplements they might be taking. This step is critical in ensuring patient safety before surgery. Knowing the patient's allergies helps to prevent the administration of medications that could trigger an adverse reaction. Additionally, understanding the supplements the patient takes is essential since these can interact with anesthetics or other medications used during the surgical process.

Thoroughly assessing allergies and supplements helps create a comprehensive medication profile for the patient, which is vital for the surgical team to consider when planning the patient's care. This information directly influences drug selection, dosage adjustments, and overall perioperative management, aligning with best practices for patient safety and efficacy in the surgical setting.