Which PNDS outcome is most important when draping the surgical patient?

When considering the most important outcome of the Perioperative Nursing Data Set (PNDS) in the context of draping the surgical patient, the focus should be on infection control. Ensuring that the patient is free from signs and symptoms of infection is paramount because surgical draping serves as a critical barrier to prevent contamination of the surgical site. Proper draping techniques help to maintain a sterile field, minimizing the risk of introducing pathogens that could lead to surgical site infections.

Effective draping not only protects the surgical site but also preserves the integrity of the sterile environment throughout the procedure. If the draping is inadequate, it can compromise these safeguards, leading to serious post-operative complications and affecting patient outcomes. Therefore, this aspect of patient care assumes great importance as it directly relates to the safety and well-being of the patient during and after surgery.

While factors like patient comfort, visibility of the surgical site, and cost-effectiveness are important in the overall perioperative setting, the primary goal during draping must be the prevention of infection. This aligns with the ultimate objective of surgical care, which is to ensure that patients have the best possible outcomes with the least risk of complications.