Data that were obtained during the perioperative nurse's assessment of a patient in the preoperative holding area that would indicate a need for special protection techniques during surgery include

• A. a stated allergy to cats and dogs
• B. a history of spinal and hip arthritis
• C. verbalization of anxiety by the patient
• D. having a sip of water 2 hours previously

Answer: (B)

The main idea is recognizing data that signal a need to protect the patient’s joints and alignment during surgery. A history of spinal and hip arthritis means the spine and hips are degenerated and less tolerant of movement, so positioning must be handled with extra care to prevent nerve injury, joint dislocation, or pressure-related damage. This requires protective techniques such as meticulous padding over bony prominences, maintaining neutral spinal and limb alignment, avoiding extreme flexion, rotation, or abduction, and continually reassessing comfort and pressure points throughout the procedure.

Other data like an allergy to pets doesn't directly call for intraoperative protective positioning. Anxiety affects preoperative comfort and communication rather than positioning during surgery. Drinking water a couple of hours earlier raises aspiration risk and would lead to different precautions focused on airway and anesthesia management, not joint protection techniques.