Postoperative Patient Care Techniques

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus that a circulating nurse should maintain during a surgery?

Documenting all procedures performed

Keeping the focus on the patient (correct)

Monitoring the surgical instruments used

Providing technical support to the surgeon

Which device is used to monitor a patient's heart activity during surgery?

Electrocardiogram (ECG) (correct)

Respiratory rate monitor

Thermal scanner

Blood glucose monitor

In what scenario is a surgical technician permitted to administer medications?

If they have been trained and signed off according to facility policies (correct)

During emergency procedures when a nurse is unavailable

When medication is needed to sedate the patient

When the surgeon directly commands them to do so

What documentation must be completed if an anesthetist is not present during a procedure?

SF 517, Medical Record—Anesthesia Signup and view all the answers

How often should a circulating nurse monitor the patient’s vital signs during surgery?

Every 5 to 15 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the surgeon requests a drug administration while the nurse is out of the room?

Call for a nurse or licensed provider immediately Signup and view all the answers

What is one responsibility of the circulating nurse regarding the patient's overall condition during surgery?

Observing the emotional and physiological response Signup and view all the answers

What should the entire surgical team be alert for during the procedure?

Symptoms of toxicity or allergic reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the circulating nurse during a local anesthesia procedure without anesthesia support?

To monitor the patient’s vital signs and ECG readings Signup and view all the answers

Which equipment must be readily available and familiar to the circulating nurse during local anesthesia?

Anesthesia machine and resuscitation equipment Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a responsibility of the scrub technician during local anesthesia procedures?

Monitoring the patient's ECG readings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a critical precaution when handling local anesthetics?

Labeling medicine containers with the agent details Signup and view all the answers

At the end of a procedure involving local anesthesia, what final task must be performed?

Disconnect all monitors and offer a warm blanket Signup and view all the answers

What should the circulator do before releasing the patient from the surgical suite?

Call the nursing or ambulatory surgery unit with a patient condition report Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate action if a scrub technician is asked to pass a syringe of saline instead of radiopaque dye?

Correctly identify the contents and refuse to pass it Signup and view all the answers

When should anesthesia personnel be summoned during a local anesthesia procedure?

Immediately upon any patient reaction Signup and view all the answers

In what situation should a scrub technician avoid using metal containers for local anesthetic solutions?

Because some drugs may interact with the metal Signup and view all the answers

What critical information is NOT typically included in the patient condition report given by the circulator?

A detailed account of the surgeon's techniques Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended initial gauge and length of needle to use for a field block or local infiltration?

25- or 26-gauge, short needle Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the syringe after filling it with anesthetic?

Point the tip toward the ceiling and flush air before passing it. Signup and view all the answers

How should the syringe be passed to the surgeon?

Plunger end facing the surgeon. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best method for tracking the volume of anesthetic injected during surgery?

Use a sterile marking pen on a disposable towel. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a large amount of anesthetic is needed during the procedure?

Prepare two syringes and pass a full one as the first empties. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately if anyone is accidentally stuck by a hypodermic needle?

Pass the contaminated needle off the field immediately. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for writing down the initial volume of anesthetic in the syringe?

To simplify calculating the volume injected during the procedure. Signup and view all the answers

What should never be done with a needle and syringe during the procedure?

Leave them lying on the drapes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Patient Monitoring and Support

Provide emotional support and reassurance to the patient throughout the procedure.
Maintain a patient-centered approach, focusing on the individual's needs.
Circulating nurse monitors vital signs every 5 to 15 minutes, assessing emotional and physiological responses to surgery and medications.
Common monitoring equipment includes ECG, automated blood pressure monitor, and pulse oximeter.
Administer oxygen as necessary; check IV presence alongside vital signs.
Be vigilant for symptoms of toxicity or allergic reactions; these will be discussed in future sections on anesthesia complications.

Documentation Responsibilities

Complete the SF 517 Medical Record—Anesthesia if no anesthetist is present, documenting vital signs, drugs administered, time and route of administration, patient’s overall condition, and operation details.
Ensure compliance with facility policies regarding medication administration by surgical technicians.
In the absence of trained staff, notify a licensed provider for any requested drug administration.

Post-Procedure Protocol

Conduct a final set of vital signs at the end of the surgery.
Record IV fluids used and prepare the patient for transport, offering a warm blanket.
Assist in transferring the patient from OR bed to gurney, ensuring another person is present on the other side.

Patient Information Transfer

For local anesthesia patients, provide a detailed condition report to the nursing or ambulatory surgery unit before release.
Report inclusions: patient name, surgery type, last vital signs, dressing and drainage details, drugs and IV fluids given, and patient responsiveness during the procedure.

Scrub Technician Responsibilities

Assist during topical anesthetic administration, preparing and monitoring agent quantities.
Ensure safety by using appropriate containers for local anesthetic solutions—glass or plastic only, never metal.
Properly label all containers and syringes with agent, concentration, and amount to prevent mix-ups.

Needle and Syringe Handling

Anticipate and prepare the appropriate gauge and length of needles as the surgical procedure progresses.
Adopt safe techniques for passing syringes, ensuring the surgeon has a firm grip before release.
Maintain a record of anesthetic volume injected using a sterile paper, subtracting remaining solution from total original amounts to track usage.

Emergency Procedures

Immediately pass off any contaminated needles from the surgical field if a needle stick occurs.
Follow local protocols for handling occupational exposures and injuries with needles.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the essential techniques and considerations in postoperative patient care. Questions will cover monitoring vital signs, providing emotional support, and understanding the equipment used during recovery. Test your knowledge on how to keep the patient centered and respond to their needs effectively.