Common Postoperative Complications Flashcards
Atelectasis: Occurence, Manifestations, Interventions
Occurrence:
First 48 hr
Manifestations:
1.Tachycardia
2.Tachypnea
3.Shallow respirations
Interventions:
1.Incentive spirometer
2.T,C,DB q 2 hr
3.Early ambulation
4.Hydration
5.Monitor respiratory rate and rhythm.
Hypostatic Pneumonia:Occurence, Manifestations, Interventions
Occurrence:
After 48 hr
Manifestations:
1.Febrile
2.Tachycardia
3.Tachypnea
4.Crackles, rhonchi
Interventions:
1.Incentive spirometer
2.T,C,DB q 2 hr
3.Early ambulation
4.Hydration
5.Mucolytics
Respiratory Depression: Occurence, Manifestations, Interventions
Occurrence:
Immediate to 48 hr
Manifestations:
1.Bradypnea
2.Shallow respirations
3.Decreased LOC
Interventions:
1.Monitor respiratory rate and rhythm.
2.Monitor client’s LOC.
3.Regulate narcotics.
4.Oxygen therapy
5.Narcotic antagonist: naloxone
Hypoxia: Occurence, Manifestations, Interventions
Occurrence:
Immediate to 48 hr
Manifestations:
1.Confusion
2.Increased BP, pulse
3.Tachypnea
Interventions:
1.Monitor vital signs.
2.Oxygen therapy
3.Resolve underlying problem.
Nausea: Occurence, Manifestations, Interventions
Occurrence:
Immediate to 48 hr
Manifestations:
1.Nausea
2.Interventions
3.Comfort measures
4.Relaxation
5.Mouth care
6.Antiemetic
7.NG tube to decompress stomach
Shock: Occurence, Manifestations, Interventions
Occurrence:
Immediate to 48 hr
Manifestations:
1.Decreased BP, pulse, urinary output
2.Cold, clammy, pale skin
3.Lethargy
4.Stupor
Interventions:
1.Monitor vital signs.
2.Replace fluids.
3.Position in modified Trendelenburg.
4.I&O
5.Monitor LOC.
6.Administer vasopressors as prescribed.
Urinary Retention/Hesitancy: Occurence, Manifestations, Interventions
Occurrence:
Immediate to 3 days
Manifestations:
1.Inability to void
2.Bladder distention
3.Restlessness
4.Increased BP
Interventions:
1.Privacy
2.Bladder scan
3.Offer bedpan.
4.I&O
Decreased Peristalsis/Paralytic Ileus: Occurence, Manifestations, Interventions
Occurrence:
2 to 4 days
Manifestations:
1.Hypoactive/absent bowel sounds
2.No flatus
Interventions:
1.NG to decompress stomach
2.Limit narcotics.
3.Ambulation
4.Prokinetic agents: metoclopramide as prescribed
Wound Hemorrhage: Occurence, Manifestations, Interventions
Occurrence:
Immediate to discharge
Manifestations:
1.Bleeding from drainage tubes or surgical site
2.Signs of shock
Interventions:
1.Assess site.
2.Identify early signs.
3.Monitor drainage device, keep patent.
4.Avoid tension at surgical site.
Thrombophlebitis: Occurence, Manifestations, Interventions
Occurrence:
7 to 14 days
Manifestations:
Redness, warmth, calf tenderness/pain, edema at site
Interventions:
1.Early ambulation
2.Apply antiembolic stockings or sequential compression devices as prescribed.
3.Avoid actions that decrease venous flow.
4.Anticoagulant prophylaxis
Delayed Wound Healing: Occurence, Manifestations, Interventions
Occurrence:
5 to 6 days
Manifestations:
Edema, redness, pallor, separation at edges, absence of granulation tissue
Interventions:
1.Splint incision as needed.
2.Use incision support devices (abdominal binder).
3.Promote high-protein diet.
Wound Infection: Occurence, Manifestations, Interventions
Occurrence:
3 to 5 days
Manifestations:
Signs of delayed healing with purulent/discolored drainage, pain in incisional area
Interventions:
1.Promote healthy diet, adequate fluid intake, adequate rest, and exercise.
2.Wound care
3.Antibiotics as prescribed
Wound Dehiscence/Evisceration: Occurence, Manifestations, Interventions
Occurrence:
4 to 15 days
Manifestations:
Open wound revealing underlying tissue (dehiscence) or organs (evisceration)
Interventions:
1.Position client to decrease tension at suture line.
2.Apply sterile saline-soaked gauze.
3.Notify surgeon.
4.Instruct client not to cough or strain.
5.Provide emotional support.
UTI: Occurence, Manifestations, Interventions
Occurrence:
5 to 8 days
Manifestations:
1.Frequency, urgency, dysuria
2.Malodorous, cloudy urine
Interventions:
1.Wipe front to back after urination.
2.Limit use of indwelling catheters.
3.Encourage voiding.
4.Increase fluids 3 L/day.
5.Cranberry juice
6.Antibiotics as prescribed
7.Uroanalgesics as prescribed
