When preparing the patient for surgery, what is the nurse's priority action if the patient is confused and has pulled out her IV?

In situations where a patient is confused and has pulled out their IV, the priority action for the nurse is to notify anesthesia to assess the patient. This is vital because the patient's state of confusion may indicate altered mental status, which could complicate anesthesia management and overall surgical care. Anesthesia professionals need to evaluate the patient's condition to ensure safety and determine the appropriateness of proceeding with surgery.

It's important to recognize that while documenting the behavior and attempting to restart the IV are necessary steps, they are not the immediate priority. Signing a consent form under these circumstances would generally not be appropriate, as informed consent requires the patient to be fully aware and competent to make decisions about their care. Therefore, the focus should be on ensuring the patient is stable and ready for anesthesia evaluation before taking further actions.