Miscellaneous Flashcards
1
Q
What are the first questions you always ask when someone presents with post-operative complications?
A
- What was the surgery?
- When was the surgery?
- What are their vital signs?
2
Q
What are some common post-operative complications?
A
Fever Respiratory distress Hypotension Low urine output Nausea, emesis Wound issues Pain
3
Q
If someone presents with fever post-op, what causes are you considering?
A
The likely causes differ depending on POD#: POD0-1: - aspiration pneumonitis - Clostridial wound infection (unlikely) - pre-existing infection - malignant hyperthermia - transfusion reactions POD2+: - pneumonia - urinary tract infection - line sepsis from IV - drug allergies or reactions - anastomotic leaks - wound infections (more likely)
4
Q
If someone present with respiratory distress post-op, what causes are you considering?
A
Pneumonia Aspiration Atelectasis Pneumothorax Pleural effusions ARDS: non-cardiogenic, pulmonary oedema Pulmonary embolus (rare) Cardiac: ischaemia Acute pulmonary embolism
5
Q
If someone present with hypotension post-op, what causes are you considering?
A
Remember SHOCK N Awe causes of hypotension Sepsis Hypovolaemia Obstructive e.g. tamponade or PE Cardiogenic e.g. pump failure Neurogenic e.g. epidural Anaphylactic shock
6
Q
If someone present with low urine output post-op, what causes are you considering?
A
Post-renal causes first: - epidurals, spinals - pain - catheter obstructions - UTI Pre-renal: - hypovolaemia Intra-renal (i.e. ATN): - drugs - hypotension - surgery