The nurse is caring for a patient in the operating suite. Which outcome will be $\mathbf{most}$ appropriate for this patient at the end of the intraoperative phase?

A) The patient will be free of burns at the grounding pad.
B) The patient will be free of nausea and vomiting.
C) The patient will be free of infection.
D) The patient will be free of pain.

A primary focus of intraoperative care is to prevent injury and complications related to anesthesia, surgery, positioning, and equipment use, including use of the electrical cautery grounding pad for the prevention of burns. The perioperative nurse is an advocate for the patient during surgery and protects the patient's dignity and rights at all times. Signs and symptoms of infection do not have the time to present during the intraoperative phase. During the intraoperative phase, the patient is anesthetized and unconscious and typically has an endotracheal tube that prevents conversation. Nausea, vomiting, and pain typically begin in the postoperative phase of the experience.