If a patient indicates they are having surgery on the left eye but the consent form states the right eye, what should the nurse do first?

In the scenario described, the nurse's first action should be to ask the client their name. Confirming the patient’s identity is a critical step in ensuring patient safety and preventing any potential medical errors. By verifying the name, the nurse can assess whether the confusion regarding the eye involved in surgery could be linked to a misunderstanding on the patient's part or a mix-up within the documentation.

This step ensures that the patient is correctly identified and that the surgical consent form corresponds to the correct patient. In perioperative settings, maintaining clear communication and verifying identity are essential in preventing wrong-site surgeries, which can have serious consequences.

Verifying the patient's name helps establish a foundation for further actions, like clarifying the surgical details, which may involve additional steps such as contacting the surgeon or checking medical records. However, establishing the correct identity is paramount preceding any other interventions in this context.