Prior to a surgical procedure, which item does NOT need to be removed by the nurse in the holding area?

In the context of pre-operative preparation, the focus is primarily on ensuring patient safety and minimizing the risk of complications during surgery. Jewelry, pens and wallets, and contact lenses are all items that can pose various risks in the operating room. For instance, jewelry can interfere with sterilization processes or may cause burns if they are metal items. Pens and wallets are typically removed to prevent any items that could disrupt the surgical environment from being brought into the sterile field, and contact lenses can lead to complications regarding proper eye care during surgery.

On the other hand, plates and screws are often internal implants that are already a part of the patient's anatomy due to previous surgeries or procedures. They cannot and do not need to be removed in the holding area, as they are integrated into the body and are relevant to the surgery itself. Recognizing that these are not external items that can be removed highlights their different role compared to the other options. Thus, the focus on safety and preparation for surgery guides the decision-making process for what needs to be removed prior to the procedure.