The nurse has completed a preoperative assessment for a patient going to surgery and gathers assessment data. Which will be the $\mathbf{most}$ important next step for the nurse to take?

A) Notify the operating suite that the patient has a latex allergy.
B) Document that the patient had a bath at home this morning.
C) Administer the ordered preoperative intravenous antibiotic.
D) Ask the nursing assistive personnel to obtain vital signs.

The most important step is notifying the operating suite of the patient's latex allergy. Many products that contain latex are used in the operating suite and the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). When preparing for a patient with this allergy, special considerations are required from preparation of the room to the types of tubes, gloves, drapes, and instruments utilized. Obtaining vital signs, documenting, and administering medications are all part of the process and should be done-with the latex allergy in mind. However, making sure that the patient has a safe environment is the first step.