Perioperative Nursing Summary

A vital checklist used before surgery to ensure the patient is prepared, all necessary documents are completed, and any potential issues are addressed.

Medication given before surgery to reduce anxiety and calm the patient.

A device used to encourage deep breathing and lung expansion after surgery, helping to prevent complications.

A vital sign that includes assessing the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation.

A healthcare professional who manages anesthesia during surgery, ensuring the patient remains asleep and pain-free.

A nurse who assists the surgeon during surgery by setting up sterile fields, handing instruments, and ensuring all items are counted.

A healthcare professional who handles all aspects of the operating room environment, from ensuring aseptic techniques to monitoring equipment and managing documentation.

A pre-surgery assessment to address any potential risks or concerns related to the surgery.

The process of cleaning the surgical site before surgery to reduce the risk of infection.

Ensuring that all necessary documentation is completed and accurate, particularly related to pre-operative orders and patient information.

Regularly checking surgical wounds and dressings for signs of infection or bleeding.

Monitoring a patient's heart rhythm for abnormalities after surgery.

Special stockings or devices that help prevent blood clots in the legs, especially after surgery.

Protecting a surgical incision from strain, especially while coughing or sneezing.

A serious complication after surgery that can occur due to immobility, leading to tissue damage and potential infection.

A complication after surgery that occurs when the body loses too much fluid, often due to decreased intake or excessive loss.

A common post-operative complication where the intestines become sluggish, resulting in difficulty passing stool.

A sudden change in mental state after surgery, often characterized by confusion and disorientation.

Promoting early movement and physical activity after surgery to prevent complications and aid recovery.

Nurses play a crucial role in preparing patients for surgery by ensuring they understand the procedure and the risks involved, as well as confirming that the consent form is signed. They also initiate the nursing process by assessing the patient, documenting medications, and reporting any concerns to the surgical team.

This blood test checks for the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. It helps assess the patient's overall health and ability to tolerate surgery.

These tests evaluate the patient's blood clotting ability, particularly important for those on anticoagulants, as it helps determine their risk for bleeding.

Discharge planning starts preoperatively. It involves educating patients on post-surgery care, like preventing complications (e.g., blood clots), wound care, and drain management, to ensure a smooth recovery.

Low molecular weight heparin is the generic name for Lovenox, a commonly used anticoagulant to prevent blood clots after surgery.

Deep breathing, coughing, and incentive spirometry are techniques that help prevent atelectasis, a lung collapse, by ensuring adequate oxygen intake and clearing airways. These techniques are crucial for recovery and post-operative care.

The nurse's role in obtaining consent is witnessing the patient's signature, assuring they understand the procedure and any risks involved. However, the surgeon is responsible for explaining the procedure, benefits, risks, and alternative options in detail.

Informed consent requires the patient to understand key details including the procedure, surgeon's name, reason for the procedure, expected benefits, alternative options, and potential complications.

A fire hazard specific to surgical procedures involving lasers, where the laser's energy can ignite flammable materials like surgical drapes.

Measures taken to prevent the introduction of foreign objects into the patient during surgery, typically involving a count of instruments and materials before, during, and after the procedure.

A medical condition that can be triggered by contact with latex, affecting both patients and healthcare workers. Precautions are required for latex-allergic individuals, such as the use of latex-free gloves and equipment.

Medications administered to induce a state of unconsciousness or reduced pain sensation during surgery. Different types exist, such as general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and sedation.

A type of anesthesia that involves injecting an anesthetic medication into the spinal cord, typically in the lower back. It blocks pain signals and provides anesthesia mainly for the lower body.

A type of anesthesia that blocks pain signals by injecting an anesthetic medication into the space surrounding the spinal cord. It typically provides pain management in a larger area compared to spinal anesthesia.

A type of anesthesia that targets individual nerves to block pain in a specific region, such as an arm or leg. This technique allows for localized pain management without affecting other parts of the body.

A level of sedation where the patient remains conscious but experiences a reduced pain threshold and generally feels relaxed. It is frequently used for minor procedures requiring a reduced level of pain control.

The study of how medication is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body. It is particularly important when dealing with older patients who may process medications differently.

Potential complications associated with anesthesia including trauma, burns, and inadequate sedation, with significant implications for patient safety.

Electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and magnesium are crucial for heart and muscle function. Monitoring fluid intake and output helps prevent dehydration and fluid overload.

Turning a patient every two hours helps prevent skin breakdown and improves blood circulation.

Patients remain NPO (nothing by mouth) until their digestive system (GI) recovers, which can take up to 48 hours. Notify the surgeon if bowel sounds are absent or delayed beyond this timeframe.

Monitoring for potential complications like infection, wound reopening (dehiscence), or organs protruding (evisceration), is crucial to manage surgical site.

Bladder scanner is used to check for bladder distention and tenderness. If a Foley catheter was removed, follow protocols for reinsertion to prevent infection.

Ensure that patients are receiving adequate nutrition to promote healing. Monitor skin for bruising and delayed healing, especially for elderly patients or those with fragile skin.

Follow specific orders for managing surgical drains (e.g., JP drains). Make sure that drainage decreases as the patient recovers.