adult 1_ periop complications - Sheet1 Flashcards
What is delayed emergence?
A prolonged recovery from anesthesia due to medications, metabolic disorders, or neurologic conditions.
How is delayed emergence managed?
Identify causative factors, monitor closely, and ensure LOC returns to baseline.
How can delayed emergence be prevented?
Identify at-risk patients (elderly, comorbidities) and adjust anesthesia accordingly.
What is emergence delirium?
A temporary state of confusion, restlessness, or agitation when waking from anesthesia.
How is emergence delirium managed?
Reorient the patient and identify the cause (pain, hypoxia, bladder distension, etc.).
How can emergence delirium be prevented?
Monitor LOC at baseline and assess risk factors preoperatively.
What multimodal approach is used for postoperative pain control?
Two or more medications with different mechanisms (e.g., NSAIDs + opioids).
What are nonpharmacologic pain interventions?
Ice, heat, repositioning, relaxation techniques, and distraction.
How is pain managed proactively postoperatively?
Administer pain medications before physical therapy, imaging, or procedures.
Why is regular pain assessment important?
To identify pain early, especially in nonverbal patients.
What are passive warming measures for hypothermia?
Warm blankets, socks, and limited skin exposure.
What are active warming measures for hypothermia?
Warmed IV fluids, radiant warmers, and heated water mattresses.
How can hypothermia be prevented postoperatively?
Regular temperature assessment and proactive warming measures.
What technique prevents infection-related temperature changes?
Aseptic technique with wound care, IV lines, and catheters.
What interventions treat hypoventilation?
Opioid/benzodiazepine reversal, mechanical ventilation, repositioning, O2 therapy.
How is hypoventilation prevented?
Regular respiratory assessments and identifying at-risk patients.
What are common signs of postoperative pneumonia?
Diminished breath sounds, crackles, and abnormal chest X-ray findings.
How is pneumonia treated postoperatively?
Antibiotics, deep breathing, coughing, and preventing atelectasis.
How can pneumonia be prevented?
Aseptic technique, incentive spirometry, early ambulation, and lung assessments.
What is atelectasis?
Collapse of lung alveoli, leading to impaired gas exchange.
How is atelectasis treated?
O2 therapy, deep breathing and coughing, repositioning, incentive spirometer, early ambulation.
How can atelectasis be prevented?
Early ambulation, deep breathing exercises, incentive spirometer use, elevating the head of the bed.
What is aspiration?
Inhalation of gastric contents into the lungs, leading to airway obstruction or pneumonia.
How is aspiration treated?
Suctioning, placing the patient in left lateral lying position, deep breathing, and coughing.
How can aspiration be prevented?
Elevate head of the bed, prevent/treat nausea/vomiting, monitor swallowing in high-risk patients.
What is dehydration?
Insufficient fluid volume leading to electrolyte imbalance and hypovolemia.
How is dehydration treated?
Oral or IV rehydration based on severity.
How can dehydration be prevented?
Adequate hydration during and after surgery.
What is fluid volume overload?
Excessive fluid accumulation leading to edema, hypertension, and respiratory distress.
How is fluid volume overload treated?
Pause fluid intake, administer diuretics, assess for signs of fluid overload.
How can fluid volume overload be prevented?
Monitor fluid balance, assess intake/output, and recognize early signs of overload.
What is venous thromboembolism (VTE)?
A blood clot forming in the veins, potentially leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
How is VTE treated?
Administer anticoagulants, use sequential compression devices (SCDs), and provide TED hose.
How can VTE be prevented?
Early ambulation, prophylactic medications, SCDs, and TED hose.
What is postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)?
A common post-op complication due to anesthesia or opioid use.
How is PONV treated?
Administer antiemetic medications, auscultate bowel sounds, and advance diet slowly.
How can PONV be prevented?
Prophylactic antiemetics, gradual diet progression, and fluid management.
What is postoperative ileus?
Temporary impairment of bowel motility after surgery.
How is postoperative ileus treated?
NPO, NG tube for decompression, and early ambulation.
How can postoperative ileus be prevented?
Early ambulation and slow advancement of diet.
What is a gastrointestinal ulcer?
A stress-related mucosal injury postoperatively.
How is a GI ulcer treated?
Notify the provider, regular GI assessment, and administer prophylactic medications.
How can a GI ulcer be prevented?
Prophylactic GI medications (PPIs, H2 blockers), stress reduction, and early mobilization.
What should be assessed with an indwelling urinary catheter?
Assessment of urinary retention, proper documentation, and regular catheter care per policy.
How can complications from an indwelling urinary catheter be prevented?
Regular catheter care, aseptic insertion technique, and timely removal per hospital policy.
What is urinary retention?
Inability to empty the bladder completely postoperatively.
How is urinary retention treated?
Warm water on hands, running water, bladder scan, straight catheterization, or indwelling urinary catheter if necessary.
How can urinary retention be prevented?
Early assessment of urinary function and encouraging natural voiding post-op.
What is considered low urine output?
Urine output <0.5 mL/kg/hr or <30 mL/hr in adults.
How is low urine output managed?
Assess urinary system, bladder scan, adequate hydration, early identification of the cause.
How can low urine output be prevented?
Ensuring proper hydration before and after surgery, early detection of urinary retention.
What is a surgical site infection (SSI)?
Infection at the surgical incision site, often caused by bacteria entering the wound.
How is a surgical site infection treated?
Administer antibiotics, assess the incision site and drainage, maintain clean dressings.
How can a surgical site infection be prevented?
Aseptic technique, proper wound care, maintaining clean/dry dressings, and timely antibiotic administration.
What should be done in cases of postoperative bleeding?
Assess the surgical site, monitor vital signs, apply pressure if needed, notify the provider.
How can postoperative bleeding be prevented?
Proper hemostasis during surgery, close monitoring of coagulation status, avoiding excessive movement of the surgical site.
