Which items should the nurse remove from a client before orthopedic surgery on the left leg?

In the context of orthopedic surgery, it is crucial to ensure that the surgical site and the patient's overall condition are optimal for the procedure. Nail polish falls under items that may need to be removed, as it can obscure the assessment of circulation in the nails during surgery. This is particularly important for monitoring purposes, especially in the event of anesthesia or any drop in perfusion.

Proper circulation monitoring is essential because surgical teams often rely on the color of the nails and the warmth of the extremities to assess blood flow. Removing nail polish allows for visual confirmation that blood flow is adequate, helping to prevent and identify complications during and after the procedure.

While the other items, such as contact lenses, hearing aids, and wedding bands, also have considerations for removal, they do not directly affect the assessment and monitoring of the surgical site as nail polish does. Thus, focusing on maintaining clarity and access to the surgical area is why nail polish is specifically noted among the items to be removed before surgery.