What should the nurse prioritize when caring for an older adult undergoing anesthesia?

When caring for an older adult undergoing anesthesia, the priority is to ensure safe positioning to prevent injury. Older adults often have increased frailty and potential mobility issues, which can elevate the risk of falls or pressure injuries during the perioperative period. Proper positioning is crucial to avoid complications such as nerve damage or skin breakdown, and to maintain safe transportation and transitions from one surface to another (e.g., from the operating table to the recovery bed). This proactive measure helps mitigate risks associated with both the anesthesia process and the patient's overall physiological status.

While administering pain relief, ensuring comfort, and engaging the family in care decisions are all important aspects of nursing care, they come after the fundamental need for safety, especially in the vulnerable older adult population. Prioritizing safety lays the groundwork for effective pain management and comfort, as well as for involving family members in care planning and decisions later in the process.