Perioperative Medications: A Nurse's Guide

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Questions and Answers

A patient receiving promethazine (Phenergan) postoperatively reports feeling restless and exhibits muscle stiffness. Which adverse effect should the nurse suspect?

  • Hypotension
  • Extrapyramidal symptoms (correct)
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Respiratory depression

An elderly patient is prescribed ketorolac (Toradol) for postoperative pain. Which laboratory value should the nurse prioritize monitoring?

  • Potassium
  • White blood cell count
  • ALT and AST
  • Creatinine and BUN (correct)

Following the administration of midazolam (Versed), a patient exhibits decreased respiratory rate and oxygen saturation. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?

  • Flumazenil (Romazicon) (correct)
  • Protamine sulfate
  • Naloxone (Narcan)
  • Epinephrine

A patient receiving morphine via PCA pump postoperatively has a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute and is difficult to arouse. Besides discontinuing the morphine, which intervention is most appropriate?

<p>Administer naloxone (Narcan) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a known egg allergy is scheduled to receive propofol (Diprivan) for sedation during a procedure. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

<p>Alert the provider, as propofol may be contraindicated (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is prescribed an antibiotic prior to surgery. What is the rationale for administering the antibiotic within one hour of the surgical incision?

<p>To ensure therapeutic drug levels at the time of incision (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient receiving an aminoglycoside antibiotic reports decreased urine output. Which nursing action is most important?

<p>Monitor renal function (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is prescribed scopolamine patch postoperatively. What is the primary purpose of this medication?

<p>To prevent nausea and vomiting (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment finding would be most concerning in a patient receiving intravenous fentanyl?

<p>Decreased respiratory rate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is to receive Acetaminophen postoperatively. Which pre-existing condition would warrant cautious use of this medication?

<p>Liver disease (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Antiemetics Purpose

Prevents nausea and vomiting, reducing aspiration risk.

Reglan Side Effects

Metoclopramide can cause extrapyramidal symptoms.

Non-Narcotic Analgesics Purpose

Provides mild to moderate pain relief.

Acetaminophen Monitoring

Monitor liver function when taking acetaminophen.

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Benzodiazepines Purpose

Reduces anxiety, provides sedation, and causes amnesia during procedures.

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Benzodiazepine Reversal Agent

Flumazenil is the reversal agent for benzodiazepines.

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Narcotic Analgesics Purpose

Controls moderate to severe pain, may also be used for sedation.

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Narcotic Reversal Agent

Naloxone is the reversal agent for narcotics.

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Propofol Purpose

Short-acting sedative used for anesthesia induction and maintenance.

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Antibiotics Purpose

Decreases risk of surgical site infection (SSI).

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Study Notes

  • Perioperative medications are administered pre-op, intra-op, and post-op.
  • Involve nursing considerations.

Antiemetics (Pre-op & Post-op)

  • Examples include Metoclopramide (Reglan), Ondansetron (Zofran), Promethazine (Phenergan), and Scopolamine (patch).
  • They prevent nausea and vomiting, thus reducing aspiration risk.
  • Nursing considerations include monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance.
  • Extrapyramidal symptoms should be assessed when administering Reglan.
  • Sedation and hypotension should be monitored when administering Phenergan.

Non-Narcotic Analgesics (Pre-op & Post-op)

  • Examples include Acetaminophen and Ketorolac (Toradol).
  • They provide mild to moderate pain relief.
  • Liver function (ALT, AST) should be monitored when administering acetaminophen.
  • Kidney function (Creatinine, BUN) should be monitored when administering NSAIDs like ketorolac.
  • In older adults, the dose should be reduced to prevent toxicity.

Anti-Anxiety/Benzodiazepines (Pre-op & Intra-op)

  • Examples include Midazolam (Versed) and Diazepam (Valium).
  • They reduce anxiety, provide sedation, and cause amnesia during procedures.
  • Respiratory depression should be monitored.
  • Safety precautions should be ensured due to sedation.
  • Flumazenil (Romazicon) is a reversal agent.

Narcotic Analgesics (Intra-op & Post-op)

  • Examples include Morphine, Fentanyl, and Hydromorphone (Dilaudid).
  • They control moderate to severe pain and may be used for sedation.
  • Respiratory status for depression should be monitored.
  • Pain level should be assessed before and after administration.
  • Hypotension and sedation should be monitored.
  • Naloxone (Narcan) is a reversal agent.

Sedative-Hypnotic (Intra-op & Post-op)

  • Propofol (Diprivan) is an example.
  • It is a short-acting sedative used for anesthesia induction and maintenance.
  • Blood pressure should be monitored since it can cause hypotension.
  • Respiratory depression should be monitored.
  • Allergic reactions should be assessed for, especially with egg/soy allergies.

Antibiotics (Pre-op, Intra-op, Post-op)

  • Examples vary based on surgery type and surgeon's choice.
  • They decrease the risk of surgical site infection (SSI).
  • Allergic reactions should be monitored (rash, anaphylaxis).
  • Timely administration should be ensured (given within 1 hour before incision).
  • Renal function should be monitored, especially with aminoglycosides.

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