A nurse is preparing to transport an intubated patient to the operating room for an emergent surgical procedure. Which nursing action is most important to ensure patient safety during transport?

A. Confirm that the patient's consent form is signed and in the chart: Ensuring informed consent is critical for legal and ethical reasons, but it does not directly prevent immediate life-threatening complications during transport of an intubated patient. B. Notify the surgical team of the patient's arrival time: Communicating with the surgical team is important for workflow and preparedness, but it does not directly safeguard the patient’s airway or oxygenation during transport. C. Document the time the patient left the unit and who accompanied them: Accurate documentation is essential for accountability and continuity of care, yet it does not actively prevent physiologic compromise during transport. D. Ensure that portable oxygen and suction equipment are functioning and available: Maintaining a patent airway and adequate oxygenation is the highest priority for an intubated patient. Portable oxygen and suction are critical in case of accidental extubation, obstruction, or respiratory compromise during transport, making this the most important safety measure