Perioperative Nursing Concepts

Questions and Answers

What signals the beginning of the preoperative phase?

The patient is informed of the need for surgery. (correct)

The patient is discharged from the recovery unit.

The patient enters the operating room.

The surgical procedure is completed.

Which of the following is NOT a focus of nursing activities during the intraoperative phase?

Pain management (correct)

Physiologic response to anesthesia

Prevention of infection

Patient safety

What is the primary goal of the nursing activities during the preoperative phase?

To monitor the patient's vital signs post-surgery.

To perform the surgical procedure.

To prepare the patient physically and psychologically. (correct)

To explain anesthesia risks to the patient.

During which phase is the patient monitored and anesthetized?

Intraoperative phase Signup and view all the answers

What marks the end of the preoperative phase?

Transfer to the operating room bed. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is emphasized in the postoperative phase nursing activities?

Reinforcing discharge information Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the intraoperative phase is accurate?

It lasts from the transfer to the operating room until PACU. Signup and view all the answers

What type of preparation is included in the preoperative phase?

Both physical and psychological preparations. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary responsibilities of the scrub nurse during surgery?

Preparing the surgical setup and assisting the surgeon Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of anesthetic agents can lead to a complete loss of consciousness?

General anesthetic Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the circulating nurse during a surgical procedure?

To deliver supplies to the sterile field and manage care outside the operating room Signup and view all the answers

How does inhalation anesthesia primarily affect the patient?

It allows controlled intake and elimination of the agent through pulmonary ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What must the scrub nurse and circulating nurse do before closing a surgical incision?

Count all needles, sponges, and instruments to ensure none are retained Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the continuous monitoring responsibility during surgery?

Vital signs, oxygen exchange, and circulatory functions should be continuously monitored Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a characteristic of regional or block anesthetic agents?

They provide total unconsciousness Signup and view all the answers

Which action is essential for ensuring patient safety during surgery?

Counting all surgical instruments and materials Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the medicine have on anesthesia?

It enhances the effectiveness of anesthesia. Signup and view all the answers

Which zone permits street clothes?

The Unrestricted Zone Signup and view all the answers

What type of mask is worn in the restricted zone?

High filtration mask Signup and view all the answers

How should scrub suits be maintained to ensure sterility?

Wet and soiled garments should be changed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of knitted cuffs on sleeves in OR attire?

To prevent organisms from shedding into the surroundings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an aspect of the surgical environment?

Accessibility for all staff Signup and view all the answers

What role does the surgical suite's location play during surgery?

It centralizes access to supporting services. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a responsibility during intraoperative nursing management?

Preventing the transmission of infections. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Perioperative Nursing Overview

The perioperative period spans from patient notification of needed surgery through recovery and resumption of usual activities.
Comprised of three phases: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative.

Preoperative Phase

Begins with patient decision for surgery; ends upon transfer to operating room bed.
Involves physical and psychological preparations, diagnostic studies, and medical regimens.
Focuses on patient teaching, support, and preparation.

Intraoperative Phase

Starts with the patient in the operating room bed; ends with transfer to the PACU.
Includes monitoring, anesthesia administration, prep, draping, and surgery.
Nursing priorities include patient safety, infection prevention, and managing response to anesthesia.

Postoperative Phase

Begins upon transfer to the recovery unit; concludes with resolution of surgical sequelae.
Nursing care emphasizes supporting physiological recovery.
Later stages focus on reinforcing discharge information for patients and caregivers.

Surgical Environment and Attire

Surgical suites are sterile, cool, and accessible only to authorized personnel.
Aseptic techniques are critical, requiring cleanliness and sterility of the environment and equipment.
Areas are divided into three zones:
- Unrestricted Zone: Street clothes allowed
- Semi-Restricted Zone: Scrub attire required
- Restricted Zone: Sterile attire including caps, masks, and shoe covers.

Surgical Attire Guidelines

OR attire consists of close-fitting cotton clothing, scrubs, gowns, and jackets.
Knitted cuffs on sleeves prevent shedding of organisms.
Ensure garments are free of wetness and soil; change soiled items as needed.

Mask Usage

Masks required in the restricted zone to filter microorganisms and reduce infection risk.
High filtration masks protect against postoperative wound infections.

Surgical Team Members

Scrub Nurse: Prepares setup, assists during surgery, and manages instrument counting to prevent retained foreign bodies.
Circulating Nurse: Non-scrubbed RN facilitating supply management, responding to requests, and liaising between scrubbed staff and external personnel.

Anesthetic Agents

Anesthesia leads to partial or complete sensation loss, potentially with or without consciousness loss.
Inhalation anesthesia is favored for its controllability and is influenced by pulmonary ventilation.
Three classifications of anesthetic agents:
- General: Causes total loss of consciousness.
- Regional/Block: Targets specific body regions.
- Local: Primarily affects a small, specific area.

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Description

Explore essential concepts and management strategies in perioperative nursing. This quiz covers the three phases of the surgical experience: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. Test your knowledge on the responsibilities and best practices for nursing in the perioperative setting.