Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which description illustrates the beginning of the postoperative period? (Select all that apply)
Which description illustrates the beginning of the postoperative period? (Select all that apply)
What is the primary purpose of a post anesthesia care unit (PACU)?
What is the primary purpose of a post anesthesia care unit (PACU)?
A patient develops respiratory distress after having a left total hip replacement. Which intervention is appropriate for the nurse to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
A patient develops respiratory distress after having a left total hip replacement. Which intervention is appropriate for the nurse to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
Which statement best describes phase I care after surgery?
Which statement best describes phase I care after surgery?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of surgery is this patient MOST likely having if they are recovering in a PACU environment that advances them quickly from Phase I care to Phase III care?
What type of surgery is this patient MOST likely having if they are recovering in a PACU environment that advances them quickly from Phase I care to Phase III care?
Signup and view all the answers
Which signs/symptoms are considered postoperative complications? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Which signs/symptoms are considered postoperative complications? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Signup and view all the answers
If a patient experiences a wound dehiscence, which description best characterizes what is happening with the wound?
If a patient experiences a wound dehiscence, which description best characterizes what is happening with the wound?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statements apply to a clinical situation where the patient states, "I coughed and heard something pop" after abdominal surgery? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Which statements apply to a clinical situation where the patient states, "I coughed and heard something pop" after abdominal surgery? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Signup and view all the answers
What is the nurse's best first action if the patient is bleeding profusely from an abdominal incision?
What is the nurse's best first action if the patient is bleeding profusely from an abdominal incision?
Signup and view all the answers
Which members of the surgical team usually accompany a postoperative patient to the PACU?
Which members of the surgical team usually accompany a postoperative patient to the PACU?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Postoperative Period and PACU Purpose
- The postoperative period begins with the completion of surgery and patient transfer to the post anesthesia care unit (PACU).
- PACU's primary purpose is ongoing critical evaluation and stabilization of the patient post-surgery.
Postoperative Interventions
- In cases of respiratory distress, appropriate tasks for unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) include checking vital signs.
- Phase I care is immediate post-surgery care, typically occurring in the PACU, focusing on patient stabilization.
Surgery Types and Recovery Phases
- Patients in PACU rapidly advancing from Phase I to Phase III care are generally undergoing same-day surgery.
- Common postoperative complications include pulmonary embolism, hypothermia, wound evisceration, and postoperative ileus.
Wound Assessment and Emergencies
- Wound dehiscence involves a partial or complete separation of outer incision layers.
- The occurrence of evisceration is an urgent situation where a portion of the intestine protrudes from an opened incision.
Nursing Actions in PACU
- For profuse bleeding from an incision, immediate action includes applying pressure to the wound dressing.
- Surgical team members accompanying a patient to PACU typically include the anesthesia provider and circulating nurse.
Patient History and Monitoring
- Patients with significant blood pressure drops and abnormal heart rates require close monitoring and timely nursing interventions, such as bolusing fluids and conducting blood cultures.
- Maintain patient safety by ensuring correct codes and monitoring surgical outcomes like drain output and temperature.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of the postoperative period with these flashcards focused on the PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit). Learn about key definitions and concepts that are crucial for nursing and patient care in the postoperative setting. Ideal for nursing students and healthcare professionals.
