POST OPERATIVE CARE – Flashcards

Unlock all answers in this set

Unlock answers
question
Hand Off Report in a form of SBAR
answer
FIRST thing when leaving OR, entering PACU ◦Situation ◦Background ◦Assessment ◦Recommendation
question
PACU
answer
post anesthesia care unit
question
Hand Off Report include
answer
◦Procedural information ◦Anesthesia ◦Vital Signs ◦Medications given intraoperately ◦IntraOp complications ◦Estimated blood loss ◦Dressings, wound care, drains pt will have when coming to recovery area
question
PACU Assessment : Immediately in the PACU you are assessing for?
answer
hand off report data assess reps function, surgical site, peripheral vascular, neurological status, check for return of motor and sensory function, assess I&O, hydration and IV fluids, and GI system, monitor VS at admission and every 15 mins (hr increase)
question
PACU Assessment Assess surgical site for
answer
bleeding (dressing, excess drainage)
question
PACU Assessment what to check when assess respiratory function?
answer
look at patency of airway if sunctioning needed or cough/gag reflex if its hasn't returned or they aren't moving secretions well functioning needed, -watch RR depth, cap refill, color nail beds, lip color, mucosa membranes, palms, soles of feet this all indicated oxygenation. cyanosis first seen in mucosal membranes, pallor and duskiness
question
PACU Assessment to check a pts neurochecks what do you do??
answer
push/pull, pupil reflexes, motor and sensory function
question
PACU Assessment to check a pts neuro status what do you look for?
answer
look for return to baseline LOC and make sure gag and swallowing reflexes has returned
question
PACU Assessment to check a pts peripheral vascular what do you check for?
answer
cap refill, and pulse at key points
question
PACU Assessment what do you monitor when a patient is taking medications for postoperative?
answer
N.V a lot of meds given by anesthesia will cause N/V poster operatively. medicate pt
question
PACU assessment to check a pts GI system check for?
answer
(bowel sounds/peristalsis returns; meds slow down GI system ), PONV= (can be caused by anesthesia meds), peristalsis
question
what do you immediately do with a pt from PACU
answer
asessement
question
PACU Assessment why is it critical to assess respiratory function?
answer
because pt has received anesthetic agents and alot of these agents will suppress(restrict) the drive to breath, and laxation of muscles
question
how long does a pt typically remain in PACU?
answer
first hour after they come out of surgical procedure room. after 1 hour if they meet discharge criteria they are sent to inpatient unit if they will be inpatient or sent to discharge area to get instructions on going home if they are outpatient
question
PACU Discharge Criteria before you send pt to PACU they must have?
answer
◦Patent Airway ◦Stable VS ◦Arousable, conscious, oriented ◦Free from active bleeding ◦Tolerable Pain ◦Discharge to inpatient unit or phase 2 recovery for outpatient
question
Discharge PACU: when pt comes out of operating room what happens?
answer
critical pts will stay in ICU and bypass PACU. pts who aren't going to the ICU will spend 1 hour in PACU and go to the surgical floor they have been assigned too. . w/in that hour the PACU nurse will look at the aldrete scale
question
altrete score measures?
answer
a measurement of recovery of the patient after anesthesia that includes gauging consciousness, activity, respiration, and blood pressure., overall score by measuring these items
question
in the phase 2 recovery area whats happens?
answer
pts gets something to drink, gets out of bed and given discharge instruction and sent home
question
Immediate PACU Assessment:
answer
1. LOC and emotional state 2. Move patient to the bed, placement and positioning, attachment of equipment as needed quick assessment of A (airway) B (breathing) C (circulation) proper positioning may be ordered based on the type of surgery, if semiconscious, side lying with the head of the bed flat, if fully conscious, semi fowlers (if not contraindicated) 3. Safety Measures: side rails up, brief assessment of mentation 4. Review the postoperative plan of care with the recovery room nurse to include orders: V/S, position, medications, IV fluids, NPO or type of oral intake, activity, diagnostic tests needed, dressing changes, etc... 5. Emotional Support for the patient and the family 6. Pain: Assess pain per patient, and location 7. Vital Signs (TPRBP) q 15min x 4, q 30 min x 4, q 1 hour x 4, then q 4 hours as indicated Can only move from 15 to 30min, and 30min to q1 hour when the patient is stable 13. Urinary output: if there is no Foley, the patient must void within 8-10 hours post-op, if not, notify the MD if there is a Foley, there should be at least 500-700 cc in the first 24 hours post surgery 11. Dressing (s): check the chart and see where they are, and what they are comprised of also check the chart for placement of any surgical drains have been placed and where they exit 12. Drainage tubes: are they free of kinks and draining properly, check if the tubes need to be attached to suction, check to ensure it is the proper amount of suction, assess type and amount of drainage and know when to call the MD. 13. Urinary output: if there is no Foley, the patient must void within 8-10 hours post-op, if not, notify the MD if there is a Foley, there should be at least 500-700 cc in the first 24 hours post surgery 14. Safety: Side rails up, instruct the patient not to get out of bed without help, ensure the call light and phone are within reach, secure all tubes and lines properly to prevent dislodgement and injury -proper positioning and comfort
question
Med-Surg Assessment on Arrival you assess?
answer
◦Airway ◦Breathing ◦Mental Status ◦Surgical Incision ◦Vital signs: Temp, Pulse, BP (watch for changes in BP) ◦IV Fluids ◦Other Tubes or drains present
question
When pt leaves PACU they are now on?
answer
MED sure unit and the nurse does an immediate assessment of pt.
question
what is indicative of bleeding?
answer
changes in blood pressure and tachycardia
question
why are vital signs useful? and what do you do whenever you get vitals?
answer
they tell a lot about a pt including their oxygen saturation. and inspect dressing to make sure its not bleeding through and not excessive drainage from surgical site
question
what is common after anesthesia
answer
hiccups related to pressures in the body, the coughing creates and initiatively post op these areas that have been sutured are sensitive to pressure and you don't want to tear or rip
question
Post op GI surgery
answer
-slowly advance diet and dangle pts feet a minute or 2 before getting them out of bed, -be attentive to their needs, -ask open ended questions provide meds as ordered and teach pt because everything is about discharge planning and teaching pts the skills to take care of themselves when they are discharged home
question
post op Maintenance of adequate F/E balance:
answer
monitor for abnormal electrolytes, v/s, accurate I&O records, obtain laboratory specimens
question
Discharge Planning:
answer
very teaching focused
question
Restoration of Mobility:
answer
-assess the patient for the ability to ambulate, -remember to dangle the patient before walking, - assess the patient before, during and after ambulating, -work with PT, -provide for adequate pain medicines if needed prior to ambulating.
question
Resumption of usual bowel elimination pattern:
answer
-assess for abdominal distention, - presence of bowel sounds, -assist with ambulation, - provide ordered laxatives as needed, -provide for as much privacy as possible, -assist in positioning patient in as natural a position for stooling.
question
Return of Normal Urinary Function:
answer
-assess for bladder pain and distention (palpation and percussion), -assess urinary output, - Notify MD if no urine output 6-8 hours post surgery -If patient continues on bed rest, - assist the patient into the normal voiding position as possible, - provide for adequate privacy (as much as possible
question
look for in patients
answer
Reduction of anxiety and achievement of well-being Care of tubes and drains Maintenance of Adequate Cardiovascular Function
question
Promote comfort:
answer
relief of pain, restlessness, nausea and vomiting, abdominal distention, relief of hiccups
question
Promote wound healing:
answer
a properly approximated sutured or stapled surgical wound is healing by primary intention, how strong is the wound once the sutures are removed?
question
Maintenance of nutritional balance:
answer
NG tubes for 24-48 hours post GI surgery, post operative diet includes clear liquids once bowel sounds return, advance the diet based on MD orders and patient tolerance
question
Ensuring optimal respiratory function:
answer
Promote lung expansion, deep breathing, coughing and use of the incentive spirometer (Coughing is contraindicated in head and eye surgeries, plastic surgery and hernia operations
question
common post operative problems neuropsychologic:
answer
pain, fever delirium and hypothermia
question
common post operative problems cardiovascular:
answer
dysrhythmias, hemorrhage, hypotension, hypertension, thrombosis and phlebitis, and pulmonary embolism
question
common post operative problems respiratory
answer
airway obstruction, hypoventilation, aspiration of vomitus, atelectasis, pneumonia, hypoxemia
question
common post operative problems integumentary (ineffective wound healing)
answer
infection, hematoma, keloid formation and dehiscence and evisceration
question
common post operative problems urinary:
answer
retention or infection
question
common post operative problems GI
answer
N/V. distention and flatulence, hiccoughs, delayed gastric emptying and paralytic ileus
question
common post operative problems fluid and electrolyte:
answer
: fluid overload, fluid deficit, electrolyte imbalance, and acid base disorders
question
temperature
answer
DRIPS T
question
wound infection
answer
MODUS
question
urinary retention
answer
SPRD
question
pnemonia
answer
TWICED
question
atelectasis
answer
CRAFTD
question
Paralytic Ileus
answer
ANA
question
Thrombophlebitis
answer
SPIRIC
question
constipation
answer
LADD
question
HS
answer
CRAWDT
question
pulmonary embolism
answer
DISPATCHR
question
N/V
answer
GURED
question
Elevated Temperature Predisposing Factors
answer
Dehydration. resp congestion Infection prolonged hypotension stress/trauma response transfusion rx thrombophlebitis
question
Elevated Temperature Signs & Symptoms
answer
Temp greater than 99.5F , elevated pulse and respiratory rate, diaphoresis, lethargy
question
Elevated Temperature Interventions
answer
Antipyretics, cool compress, fluids
question
Wound Infection Predisposing Factors
answer
malnutrition obesity Diabetes uremia steroids
question
Wound Infection Signs & Symptoms
answer
Fever, foul smelling or green drainage from wound, edema, redness
question
Wound Infection Interventions
answer
Wound culture & sensitivity, antibiotics, aseptic technique with wound care
question
Urinary Retention Signs & Symptoms
answer
Scant urinary output, palpable distended bladder, restlessness, discomfort
question
wound Infection:
answer
-related to altered skin integrity, inadequate nutrition and fluid balance, presence of environmental pathogens, invasive instrumentation, and immobility - Assess for s/s of infection (wound, V/S) -Provide clean or aseptic wound care (wounds and drains) -Note the characteristics of drainage to determine infection -Good pulmonary toilet -Work with the dieticians to provide optimal nutrition for the patients
question
Urinary Retention Interventions
answer
Catheterize, provide privacy and run water, sit upright
question
urinary retention Prevention
answer
Hydration, early ambulation
question
Urinary Retention:
answer
Can occur in the postoperative period because the anesthesia can depress the nervous system, and impede the sensation of bladder filling as well as interfere with the ability to void. More likely to occur after lower abdominal or pelvic surgery Need to assess for urine output, both color and amount, urine output should be 0.5ml/kg/hr, if below that, palpate and percuss the bladder for fullness and report to MD Nurse should facilitate voiding by pouring warm water over a female's perineum and ambulating to the commode/toilet can help
question
Low Urine Production:
answer
The diminished output of urine can be a manifestation of renal failure and is less common
question
low urine output May result from
answer
renal ischemia from inadequate renal perfusion or altered cardiovascular function
question
Pneumonia Signs & Symptoms
answer
tachypnea, Wheezes increased resp secretions chills, productive cough, crackles, Chest pain Elevated temp dyspnea,
question
Pneumonia Interventions
answer
Positioning, antibiotics, analgesics, chest physiotherapy expectorants and oxygenation,
question
Pneumonia Prevention
answer
Turning, position changes, coughing, deep breathing, incentive spirometry, early ambulation
question
Pneumonia:
answer
: Can be a sequel to the atelectasis, can occur from aspiration increased risk post thoracic and abdominal surgery the atelectasis builds up, and increased secretions can continue to block the airways microorganisms grow in the trapped secretions q2 hour re-positioning ensure that respiratory effort is maximized O2 therapy as ordered/needed. V/S and frequent lung sound assessment
question
Atelectasis Signs & Symptoms
answer
cyanosis, crackles, restlessness, apprehension, fever, tachypnea Decreased lung sounds, dyspnea,
question
Atelectasis Interventions
answer
chest physiotherapy, oxygen, hydration, analgesics, bronchodilators, and mucolytic via nebulizer trt suctioning,Semi-fowler's position,
question
Atelectasis Prevention
answer
Early ambulation, turn, cough, deep breathe, incentive spriometry
question
Atelectasis Common cause of
answer
postoperative hypoxemia Retained secretions and decreased respiratory excursion causes blockage of the alveoli once all the air trapped in the alveoli is absorbed, the alveoli collapse hypotension and cardiac states can worsen this occurs
question
Paralytic Ileus Signs & Symptoms
answer
Absent bowel sounds, abdominal distention no flatus or BM
question
Paralytic Ileus Interventions
answer
NG tube, rectal tube, ambulation
question
Paralytic Ileus Prevention
answer
Early ambulation, abdominal tightening exercises, NPO until BS become active
question
Paralytic Ileus: This is caused by
answer
bowel manipulation, anesthesia affects on the bowel, immobility, and pain medicines Assess for nausea or vomiting
question
Thrombophlebitis Signs & Symptoms
answer
swelling, Pain, increased temp redness increased diameter of extremity cramping calf,
question
Thrombophlebitis Interventions
answer
measure calf and thigh bilaterally and compare Analgesics, anitcoagulants, moist heat elevated limb, bedrest,
question
Thrombophlebitis Prevention
answer
Antiembolic stockings, sequential compression hose, pneumatic compression device, postop leg exercises, early ambulation
question
Venous Thrombosis: Results from
answer
venous stasis (inactivity, body positioning, pressure, dehydration) Assess for swelling (usually unilateral) in the lower extremities, redness and pain Anticoagulants given
question
Who is at higher risk for DVt
answer
Post op who are elderly or obese
question
if you suspect DVT DO NOT
answer
massage leg or muscle it can dislodge and travel to the lungs causing pulmonary embolism. early ambulation is the key in getting blood flowing again and muscles working to massage and prevent venous stasis
question
Hypovolemic Shock Signs & Symptoms
answer
cold clammy skin restlessness apprehension, weak rapid thready pulse, Decreased BP, decreased urine deep rapid resp, thirst,
question
Hypovolemic Shock Interventions
answer
blankets for warmth return to OR is r/t bleeding oxygenation whole blood as indicated, IV fluids, hydration,
question
Hypovolemic Shock Prevention
answer
Maintain hydration, monitor I&O, assess for bleeding
question
causes of Hypovelmic shock
answer
hypotension or hemorrhage
question
Most common causes of hypotension?
answer
unreplaced lost fluids during the surgery, evaporation, sanctioning and hemorrhage it occurs because fluid volume drops within pt and not enough circulating volume.
question
hypotension Secondary causes
answer
include MI (heart attack), cardiac tamponade, pulmonary emboli, or effects from the anesthesia drugs
question
Hypotension secondary interventions
answer
Assess V/S, pulse Ox, peripheral pulses, LOC and report as necessary Assist physician with interventions aimed at correcting the underlying cause of the hypotension
question
What should you be alarmed with when a pt has secondary hypotension
answer
if pt Show signs of hypoperfusion to the vital organs (heart, brain, and kidneys) Low perfusion causes low perfusion to these organs
question
Hypotension secondary signs and symptoms
answer
disorientation, loss of consciousness, chest pain, oliguria, and anuria
question
if pt has hypotension because of lost fluids during surgery what would the goals be?
answer
rehydrate pt with oral or IV fluids
question
it pts are hypovolemic due to a loss of blood?
answer
physician may order blood products, oxygenate pt and give blankets. if pt is bleeding they may have to go back to OR to correct problem
question
Hemorrhage:
answer
alterations in how their blood was able to coagulate because maybe they didn't stop taking aspirin before procedure or they were over heparinized and their blood is not clotting as quickly as it should. look at labs H and H Often related to ineffective vascular closure or alterations in coagulation
question
Hemorrhage interventions
answer
Look for bleeding at the wound site/surgical dressing (dependent areas) Monitor the v/s closely, follow the Hgb/Hct closely, assess skin closely, report any changes noted Assess LOC, and mentation (restlessness can indicate altered cerebral perfusion)
question
If pt has mentation issues with a hemmorhage what should you consider assessing?
answer
if pt becomes restless, assess further in case BF has been reduced in cerebral area
question
Pulmonary Embolism Signs & Symptoms
answer
Dyspnea, increased resp sudden severe chest pain or tightness, pallor or cyanosis, anxiety, tachycardia, bradycardia, cough, hypotension, restlessness
question
Pulmonary Embolism Interventions
answer
fluids, anticoagulants, analgesics oxygenation, bed rest with head elevated STAT call MD,
question
Pulmonary Embolism prevention
answer
ROM leg exercises, antiembolic stockings, low dose heparin, early ambulation
question
Pulmonary Embolism:
answer
Caused by a thrombus that is dislodged from the peripheral circulation, and then gets lodged in the pulmonary arterial circulation acute tachypnea, decreased O2 saturations cardiopulmonary support to these pts Preventing DVT is primary to preventing pulmonary emboli: Deep breathing, coughing, IS (move the air in the lungs and move the blood)
question
Nausea and Vomiting Signs & Symptoms
answer
GI upset with first 24hrs, usually with abdominal surgery and opioid use reduced peristalsis, eructation, decreased BS, dry heaves
question
N.V Interventions
answer
Zofran, Antivert, Compazine as ordered Side lying before raising HOB, slow movement, NG tube
question
N/V Prevention
answer
Pre-medicate with anitemetic or H2 recptor antagonist Maintain NPO status preop
question
Constipation Signs & Symptoms
answer
Decreased BS, decreased oral intake, lack of BM, abdominal distention, abdominal discomfort
question
Constipation interventions
answer
Increase fluids as tolerated, monitor I&O, increase dietary fiber, use laxative-enemas-bulk forming agents PRN
question
Constipation prevention
answer
Early ambulation, fiber, roughage, hydration
question
Normal Wound Healing 1.Inflammatory phase
answer
-.Local (vessel growth) edema pain, erythema, warmth
question
normal wound healing 2.Proliferative phase
answer
.Collagen builds scar, granulation tissue and scar tissue begin to form
question
Normal Wound Healing 3.Maturation phase
answer
-.Scar tissue thins and pales, increase tensile strength and tissue return to original site
question
phase 1 of wound healing
answer
day 1 to 3 hemostasis stop bleeding
question
phase 2 of wound healing
answer
day 3 to 20 inflammation new framework for blood vessel growth
question
phase 3 of wound healing
answer
week 1 to 6 proliferation or granulation pulls wound closed
question
phase 4 of wound healing
answer
week 6 to 2 years final proper tissue remodeling or maturation
question
Wound assessment
answer
◦Redness ◦Increased warmth ◦Swelling tenderness ◦Pain ◦Drainage
question
Wound assessment drainage of wound
answer
◦Sanguiness -Bloody ◦Serosangiunous -Blood and serum ◦Serous -serum-like, yellow ◦Purulent or Odorous -ABNORMAL, INFECTION
question
nurses duty for wounds
answer
-Assess the wound thoroughly - Teach care of the wound to the patient and the family - Provide medically safe wound care based on orders -Clean the wound appropriately -Teach about postoperative limitations Follow provided information about hygiene practices after suture removal
question
what can you delegate to NAP
answer
emptying a closed drainage container or pouch, measuring the amount of drainage, and reporting the amount on the patient's intake and output (I&O) record, report changes in drainage, amount color or odor on I and O record. report drainage present on sheets or strike though from dressing also report bleeding and swelling at site or elevation in pt temp and pts pain complaint and notify nurse when wound is exposed so assessment can be done
question
what can not be delegated To NAP
answer
sterile wound irrigation staple and/or suture removal Assessment of wound drainage and maintenance of drains and drainage system
question
Healing by primary intention occurs when
answer
the edges of a clean surgical incision remain close together Wound-healing edges are pulled together and are approximated with sutures, staples, stittches, steri strips or adhesive tape; healing occurs by connective tissue deposition.
question
secondary intention
answer
Wounds that are left open and are allowed to heal by scar formation The percentage and type of tissue in the wound bed provide insight into severity and duration of the wound, the extent to which it is progressing toward healing, and the effectiveness of current interventions
question
What to determine before a dressing change with a patient?
answer
whether the patient will need pain medication. and plan the best time for analgesic administration to ensure optimal medication effect before wound care
question
slough or eschar
answer
Black, brown, or tan tissue in the wound . Should be removed or wound healing will be delayed
question
Granulation tissue
answer
Viable tissue is normally red to pink and moist in appearance. Indicated wound moving towards healing
question
Healing by tertiary intention is sometimes called
answer
delayed primary intention or closure. - occurs when surgical wounds are not closed immediately but are left open for 3 to 5 days to allow edema or infection to diminish -seen in fasciotomies for compartment syndromes and any type of procedure excessive pressures in tissues or in abdomens when the intestines are distended from being exposed for long periods of times once the swelling subsides in 3 to 5 days the pt is brought back to surgery for then additional closure where skin edges are better approximated
question
Impaired Healing Dehiscence
answer
-splitting of incision site -Separation and disruption of the previous joined wound edges, may be preceded by sudden discharge of pink, brown, or clear drainage
question
Dishiscence is often a complication of ?
answer
infected wound, or from too much pressure on a surgical wound (obesity, lifting, bending)
question
Impaired Healing Evisceration
answer
-note any changes in approximation of tissues -See dehiscence -protrusion of organs through the wound opening -Same risk factors -Assess the wound frequently, note any changes in d/c or approximation
question
What to teach patient about evisceration
answer
care of the wound and about postoperative limitations
question
Assess all dressings for ?
answer
bleeding and drainage with every VS assessment
question
Assess drains for ?
answer
patency with every VS assessment
question
Wound inspection
answer
:COCA = Color, Odor, Consistency, Amount
question
Drainage on dressing expected with?
answer
open tube drains (penrose drain) but not with closed drainage system (Jackson-Pratt, Hemovac, T-Tube)
question
Assess closed suction drains for
answer
maintenance of suction pressure
question
LARGE amounts of sangiuneous drainage indicates
answer
possible internal bleeding and physican needs to be told immediately
question
Labs
answer
◦Hemo-concentration, ◦Infection ◦Culture & Sensitivity ◦ABG ◦Renal Function:
question
Renal Function:
answer
Urinalysis, urine electrolytes, serum creatinine levels
question
Culture & Sensitivity-
answer
pathogen/microorganism present in wound so antibiotic can be prescribed,
question
ABG
answer
acid-base imbalances and hypoxia
question
Infection
answer
"Left shift" where immature neutrophils in WBC count increase
question
Hemo-concentration:
answer
Indicative of blood and fluid loss first 24 hrs post procedure
question
remember the Highest incidence of post-op complication?
answer
is between 1-3 days after procedure
question
remember Immediately post Op focus on?
answer
RESPIRATORY status due to anesthesitic agents of meds pt has been given
question
remember to ?
answer
◦Treat the patient's reported pain ◦Always assess the patient prior to performing an intervention
question
remember to always Assess further if patient appears
answer
anxious, restless, irritable or changes LOC
Get an explanation on any task
Get unstuck with the help of our AI assistant in seconds
New