During surgery, what is typically done with the patient's arms?

In the context of perioperative nursing care, it is standard practice to ensure that the patient's arms are properly positioned and secured during surgery to maintain both safety and accessibility for the surgical team. Keeping one arm at the side of the patient and positioning the other on an arm board allows for optimal access to the upper body for monitoring vital signs and administering anesthesia, while also preventing potential injury.

This method minimizes the risk of compression or injury to the arms and ensures that the patient remains stable throughout the procedure. The positioning also allows for easier access to IV lines or other necessary equipment attached to one arm, which is crucial for effective patient management during surgery.

Other methods of arm positioning could lead to increased risks, such as nerve injury or reduced access for surgical teams, which is why securing one arm at the side and placing the other on an arm board is a well-accepted practice in the operating room.