Common Post-Op Complications

Question 1

Urinary Retention

Answer 1

occurs 8-12 hours post-op;

Monitor hydration status, encourage oral intake if allowed, offer routine toileting

Question 2

Pulmonary problems: atelectasis, pneumonia, embolus

Answer 2

1 to 2 days post-op;

Assist client to turn, cough, deep breathe Q2H, keep hydrated, early ambulation, early incentive spirometry

Question 3

Wound-healing problems

Answer 3

5-6 days post-op; teach splinting when coughing, monitor for s/s infection, malnutrition, dehydration, provide high-protein diet!!

Question 4

UTI

Answer 4

5 to 8 days post-op; oral fluid intake, emptying of bladder Q4-6H, monitor I/O, avoid cath if able

Question 5

Dehiscence

Answer 5

separation of wound edges; most likely if vertical incision, occurs after early post-op period

Question 6

Evisceration

Answer 6

protrusion of intestinal contents, most likely to those older, diabetic, malnourished, obese, and who have had prolonged paralytic ileus

Question 7

Thrombophlebitis

Answer 7

6 to 14 days post-op; leg exercises while in bed Q8h, early ambulation, TEDs/SCDs, - remove TEDs every 8 hours and reapply! avoid pressure that may obstruct venous flow - do not raise knees/put pillows under knees. low dose heparin prophylactically.

Question 8

Decreased GI peristalsis: constipation, paralytic ileus

Answer 8

2 to 4 days post op; NG tubing to decompress GI tract, client to limit use of narcotic analgesics, which decrease peristalsis, early ambulation!