What should the night shift nurse report to the surgeon for a patient having a procedure in the morning?

The most critical piece of information to report to the surgeon is the patient's allergy to shellfish. This detail is essential because it impacts the choice of anesthesia and medications that may be used during the procedure, as well as any potential for allergic reactions. Allergies can lead to serious complications if the patient is exposed to allergens, so it is imperative for the surgical team to be aware of them ahead of time.

While the other options contain important information— such as fasting status, medication allergies in general, and medical history— they do not pose the immediate risk that a known allergy does. For example, being NPO (nothing by mouth) since a specific time is relevant to surgical preparation, but it does not directly affect patient safety as much as an allergy. Similarly, while a history of hypertension is important for postoperative care and monitoring, it does not have the same urgency as a documented allergy. Therefore, communicating the shellfish allergy is crucial for ensuring the patient's safety during the surgery.