Perioperative/Reproductive Nursing Unit 4

Care of patients before, during, and after surgery.

Care of a patient before surgery.

Methods to prevent contamination and infection during surgery.

The setting for surgical procedures, ensuring sterility.

Reviewing and confirming medications before and after surgery.

Potential problems that can arise after surgery.

Areas dedicated to surgical procedures.

A unit covering perioperative and reproductive nursing.

Evaluating a patient's condition before and after surgery.

Moving a patient from one location to another for surgical procedures.

The individuals involved in obtaining informed consent from the patient should include

• The surgeon performing the surgery
• The anesthesiologist responsible for anesthesia
• Any other healthcare providers involved in the procedure.

Informed consent should contain clear and detailed information about:

• The nature of the surgery, diagnosis, and procedure
• The potential benefits and risks of the surgery
• Alternative options available to the patient
• The potential complications that could arise from the surgery
• The right to refuse or withdraw consent at any time

The patient usually fills out the consent form, but it's crucial for the surgeon or another healthcare professional to explain all the aspects of the surgery and answer the patient's questions.

A nurse or other qualified healthcare professional usually witnesses the patient signing the consent form.

Intraoperative nursing refers to the nursing care provided during the surgical procedure, from the time the patient enters the operating room to the time they are admitted to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

Medication reconciliation involves reviewing and confirming a patient's medications before and after surgery to prevent medication errors and ensure accurate medication administration.

The anesthetist is responsible for administering anesthesia, monitoring the patient's vital signs during the surgery, and managing pain after the procedure.

An adjunct is a medication that is used in conjunction with other medications, like anesthesia, to enhance its effects or manage specific medical conditions.

Examples of common adjunct medications used during surgery include anxiolytics (for anxiety), antiemetics (for nausea), and muscle relaxants.

Potential complications of anesthesia can include:

• Respiratory depression: Difficulty breathing.
• Cardiac arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeat.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Allergic reactions.

Medications with a high potential for causing harm if not administered correctly. This includes medications that can cause severe side effects, affect vital functions, or require specific monitoring.

A crucial legal document in surgery. It outlines the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure, allowing a patient to make an informed decision about their care.

Medications used to lower high blood pressure. They play a vital role in perioperative care to manage blood pressure fluctuations during and after surgery. An example is amlodipine.

The Surgical Care Improvement Project, which aims to improve patient safety and outcomes. It focuses on specific standards and protocols to reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of surgical care.

A condition caused by an imbalance in electrolytes, crucial for body functions. It can occur during surgery due to fluid loss, medications, or underlying medical conditions. An example is potassium imbalance.

A hormone regulating blood sugar levels. In perioperative care, insulin is essential for managing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, especially during and after surgery.

A patient who requires a stay in a hospital setting. They are admitted for medical care, diagnostic procedures, or surgical intervention.

A patient who receives medical care without staying overnight in a hospital. They may be seen in a clinic, doctor's office, or surgical center for procedures or consultations.

Different methods of anesthesia used to block pain during surgery, ranging from local numbing to general unconsciousness.

A type of anesthesia that numbs a specific area of the body by blocking nerve signals, often used for minor procedures.

A type of anesthesia that numbs a larger region of the body, often used for procedures like childbirth or limb surgery.

A type of anesthesia that causes a loss of consciousness, used for major surgeries and procedures.

Closely observing the patient's vital signs, especially breathing, during anesthesia to ensure safety.

A type of regional anesthesia where an anesthetic is injected into the space surrounding the spinal cord, blocking nerve signals in the lower body.

Managing pain after surgery to promote healing and comfort for the patient.

Medications used to reduce secretions, relax muscles, and prevent side effects of anesthesia like nausea and vomiting.

Medications used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting after surgery.

Medications used to quickly induce anesthesia, causing loss of consciousness.