Which aspect of patient and family education should the preoperative nurse focus on?

In the context of preoperative nursing, educating the patient and their family about what they will experience during the surgical process is crucial for several reasons. This involves preparing them for the entire perioperative journey, which includes the preoperative procedures, the surgical process itself, and the immediate postoperative recovery phase.

By focusing on the patient’s experience, the nurse helps alleviate anxiety and build trust, making the patient feel more empowered and informed. It sets realistic expectations regarding the surgery, recovery process, potential discomfort, and any other sensations they may encounter. This understanding can enhance the cooperation and outcomes of the surgical procedure because patients who are informed tend to engage more actively in their care.

In contrast, while financial aspects of surgery are important, they often fall outside the direct scope of nursing education and can usually be handled by administrative staff. A detailed list of surgical instruments is unnecessary for patients and may not significantly contribute to their understanding or comfort. Additionally, focusing only on postoperative care neglects the importance of preparation and understanding of the surgical procedure itself, which is vital for comprehensive preoperative education. Thus, emphasizing the patient’s overall surgical experience is key to effective preoperative education.