Postoperative Care: Key interventions

• Sterile objects should not contact non-sterile areas, as the edge of the sterile field is considered contaminated
• Airborne precautions necessitate placing the patient in a negative-pressure room to prevent the spread of airborne pathogens
• A low respiratory rate suggests opioid-induced respiratory depression and requires immediate intervention
• Pulmonary embolism is life-threatening; oxygen therapy and rapid intervention are needed
• MRSA spreads through direct contact; a gown and gloves prevent transmission
• Incentive spirometry promotes expansion and prevents pneumonia
• Hyperglycemia impairs wound healing and increases infection risk
• Calf pain and swelling after surgery are signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to pulmonary embolism; elevate the leg and notify the provider
• Shoulder pain is common after laparoscopic surgery due to CO2 gas irritating the diaphragm
• Deflating the balloon first prevents trauma to the urethra when removing an indwelling urinary catheter post-op
• Post-laparoscopic nausea is common due to anesthesia, anti-emetics prevent aspiration and improve comfort

Droplet Precautions

• Droplet precautions require a surgical mask when within 3 feet of the patient
• New onset restlessness and agitation may indicate hypoxia or shock, requiring immediate assessment
• A dry, intact dressing protects the incision and prevents infection
• Dehiscence requires a moist sterile dressing and immediate provider notification
• Paralytic ileus causes bowel inactivity, leading to obstruction and complications; absent bowel sounds are concerning
• Ankle exercises promote circulation and help prevent DVT
• Purulent, foul-smelling drainage indicates an infected wound
• Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber suggests an air leak, requiring urgent assessment for a patient with a chest tube
• Abdominal rigidity may indicate peritonitis or internal bleeding, requiring immediate evaluation after laparoscopic surgery
• Central line dressing changes require sterile technique with sterile gloves, mask, and gown to prevent infections
• Oxygen delivery is the priority intervention to maintain tissue perfusion in hypovolemic shock
• Shoulder pain post-laparoscopic surgery is common due to CO2 retention, which irritates the diaphragm
• COPD and abdominal surgery increase the risk of respiratory complications or post-op pneumonia
• Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent MRSA spread

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Complications

• Shoulder pain can occur due to irritation of the diaphragm by carbon dioxide used during laparoscopic surgery, typically resolves in a few days
• Droplet precautions require a surgical mask to prevent infectious droplets from spreading
• Prophylactic antibiotics reduce the risk of infection after surgery, particularly in high-risk procedures
• Applying warm compresses is not recommended against infection, it can increase the risk of infection by encouraging bacterial growth
• Signs of surgical wound infection include localized redness, swelling, and drainage
• Airborne precautions require a private room with negative pressure to prevent the spread of airborne particles
• Ambulation helps to expel the carbon dioxide used during laparoscopic surgery, which can cause abdominal distention and discomfort
• Sequential compression devices (SCDs) help improve circulation and prevent venous stasis, which reduces the risk of DVT after surgery
• Avoiding activities that strain the incision site helps promote proper healing and reduces the risk of complications
• Redness, swelling, and foul-smelling drainage are classic signs of a surgical wound infection
• Contact precautions require healthcare workers to wear gowns and gloves to prevent the spread of infection
• Surgical wounds open and the layers of tissue separate, often due to increased pressure or tension which is wound dehiscence
• Antibiotics are essential in treating bacterial wound infections and should be administered as prescribed
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, and a rapid pulse are signs of a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening complication
• A temperature of 101°F and an elevated white blood cell count are common signs of infection, especially at the surgical site
• Nausea and vomiting can cause dehydration, so it's essential to assess the patient for signs of dehydration before administering any medication or interventions
• Shoulder pain is common after laparoscopic surgery because carbon dioxide used for insufflation can irritate the diaphragm, causing referred pain in the shoulders
• A sterile environment during surgery prevents pathogens from entering the surgical site
• An assessment of a wound is needed to rule out infection
• Early ambulation can assist against risks of deep vein thrombosis, and promotes the expulsion of residual carbon dioxide from the abdominal cavity
• Drainage due to seromas may need intervention to drain and be reported to doctors. _ The use of gloves prevents contaminated surfaces
• Serous drainage is clear and yellowish and typically indicates that the wound is healing and there is no infection
• Early surgery with coughing and deep breathing expansion is required
• Fever and increased heart rate can be signs of infection for surgical sites, also assessment the wound is needed to rule out infection
• The healthcare provider needs to be notified due to indicators of increased active bleeding of bright red with a lot of fluid
• Confusion and disorientation can be caused by effect of opioid pain killers so it should be monitored
• Assess for signs of bleeding and contact the doctors immiediately if any are noticed
• The temperature is an essential indicator and a fever during antibiotic use indicates the antibiotic is not working
• Opioid medication is associated with repsonitory depression so it is important to monitor Compression stockings help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis, by compression veins to help flow go back up from the leg
• Taking short walks as soon as possible against potential pneumonia
• Assess the patient for signs of excess amount of gas Early ambulation is essential against DVT by decreasing thrombin
• Keep environment controlled when using aseptic techniques such as with handling dressings and invasive devices
• Avoid strenuous activity after operation in order to prevent potential issues with dehiscence
• Anti-biotics are key in reducing risk of infection especiality when dealing with hisk risk procedures
• Early ambulation and compression devices for promote circulaiton to reduce DVTs from after the procedure
• A red site indicates a need for assessment of surgicl area and to notify healthcare provider for the evaluation