PACU Post-Op Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which description illustrates the beginning of the postoperative period? (Select all that apply)

Completion of the surgical procedure and arousal of the patient from anesthesia in the operating room

Closure of the patient's surgical incision with sutures

Completion of the surgical procedure and transfer of the patient to the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) (correct)

Providing care before, during and after surgery

What is the primary purpose of a post anesthesia care unit (PACU)?

Arousal of patient following the use of conscious sedation

Ongoing critical evaluation and stabilization of the patient (correct)

Follow-through on the surgeon's postoperative orders

Prevention of lengthened hospital stay

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)?

Assess change in patient's respiratory status

Order necessary medications to be administered

Insert an oral airway to maintain an open airway

Check the patient's vital signs (correct)

Which statement best describes phase I care after surgery?

Phase I care occurs immediately after surgery, most often in a PACU. 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?

Same day surgery Signup and view all the answers

Which signs/symptoms are considered postoperative complications? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

Hypothermia Signup and view all the answers

If a patient experiences a wound dehiscence, which description best characterizes what is happening with the wound?

A partial or complete separation of outer layers is present at incision site 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)

A nasogastric (NG) tube may be ordered to decompress the stomach Signup and view all the answers

What is the nurse's best first action if the patient is bleeding profusely from an abdominal incision?

Apply pressure to the wound dressing Signup and view all the answers

Which members of the surgical team usually accompany a postoperative patient to the PACU?

Anesthesia provider and circulating nurse 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.

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.