Chapter 20 Postoperative Care Flashcards
What are the common causes of respiratory problems in the PACU? What action do you take for each?
Hypoxemia (related atelectasis) (deep breathing, incentive spirometry, early mobilization) , Airway Obstruction, Bronchospasm (O2 therapy, bronchodilators), Hypoventilation
What do you do differently for an unconscious patient and a conscious patient in the PACU?
a
How do you know a patient in the PACU is hypovolemic? How do you manage this?
a
What do you do for a patient with a low temp in PACU?
Take temp every 30 min, external warming devices, O2, suppression of shivering w/opioids (Demerol)
How do you get patients to deep breathe on postop day 1?
a
What should be the first thing you do when a patient arrives to your floor from the PACU?
Assess ABC’s, look carefully for signs of inadequate oxygenation/ventilation
What do you do if a patient hasn’t voided 8 hours after coming to your unit from the PACU?
Insert a straight catheter
How do you prevent VTE in postop patients?
LMWH, socks
What concerns do you have regarding a patient who has received regional anesthesia? What will you assess on these patients specifically?
(Spinal or Epidural) Sensory and motor blockade may still be present. A dermatone level should be checked to determine the level of return.
What immediate action do you take if a patient experiences wound dehiscence?
a
What is important about management of post-op pain?
a
What is important to know about care and management of wound drains?
a
