Question

The nurse in a gynecology clinic is completing preoperative teaching for a patient scheduled for an abdominal hysterectomy next week. The patient states that she is currently taking 325 mg of aspirin daily for chronic joint pain, along with a multivitamin. The patient has type 2 diabetes; she closely monitors her blood glucose levels. Currently, she is taking an oral hypoglycemic agent. The nurse advises her to ask the anesthesiologist whether she should take this medication the morning of surgery a. The nurse instructs the patient to stop taking the aspirin. What is the rationale for this action? b. Why is it important to assess the patient for use of herbal products prior to surgery? C. The patient asks how surgery could affect her blood glucose; how should the nurse respond?

Answer 1

1. The rationale for stopping the intake of aspirin is that it is an anticoagulant . Anticoagulants are stopped one day before surgery or procedure to avoid the complications of bleeding .

2. It is important to assess the patient for use of herbal products prior to surgery because it might cause severe reaction and complications during or after surgery because we don't how it acts and will react with other medications given during surgery .

3. The nurse should respond that surgery and anesthesia cause the release of stress hormones. These hormones make the body less sensitive to insulin which may result in elevated blood sugars.