As the morning of surgery approaches, a patient refuses to remove a wedding ring, stating that it has been worn since marriage. The nurse should

• A. Have the patient sign a release and leave the ring on.
• B. Tape the wedding ring securely to the patients finger.
• C. Tell the patient that the hospital is not liable for loss of the ring.
• D. Suggest that the patient give the ring to a family member to keep.

Answer: (B)

During preoperative care, jewelry is normally removed to prevent interference with monitoring and devices and to avoid constriction or burns if the finger swells or becomes exposed to cautery. If a patient refuses to remove a wedding ring, taping the ring securely to the finger is the best compromise: it protects the ring from loss while keeping the finger free of loose metal that could cause injury or interfere with the procedure. It also allows the nurse to monitor the finger for circulation and swelling before surgery proceeds. Document the action and inform the surgical team so everyone is aware of the ring’s position. Leaving the ring on would risk thermal burn or constriction; suggesting the hospital isn’t liable doesn’t address safety, and giving the ring to a family member could lead to loss or misplacement and loss of accountability.