part 5

Question 1

What are some postoperative complications of the respiratory system?

Answer 1

• hypoxemia: low blood oxygen
• atelectasis
• pulmonary edema
• pulmonary embolism
• pneumonia

Question 2

What are some postoperative complications of the cardiovascular system?

Answer 2

• hypo/hypertension
• VTE: may result in PE
• syncope
• hemorrhage

Question 3

What are some postoperative complications of fluid and electrolytes?

Answer 3

• fluid overload: due to stress response
• fluid deficit
• electrolyte imbalances: hypokalemia
• acid base imbalances

Question 4

What are some postoperative alterations in temperature?

Answer 4

• hypothermia/shivering
• fever
• malignant hyperthermia-medical emergency

Question 5

What are some interventions to treat alterations in temperature?

Answer 5

• active/passive warming: hypothermia
• O2 therapy: shivering
• Opioids: shivering
• Meticulous asepsis:wound and IV site care
• coughing/deep breathing: clear lung secretions and can also lower temperature

Question 6

What is the possible cause of a temp of less than or equal to 96.8 up to 12 hours after surgery?

Answer 6

effects of anesthesia, body heat loss during surgical procedure

Question 7

What is the possible cause of a mildly elevated temperature of less than or equal to 100.4 (38C) during the first 48 hours (postoperative days 1 and 2).

Answer 7

inflammatory response to surgical stress

Question 8

What is the possible cause of a moderately elevated temperature of greater than 100.4 (38C) during the first 48 hours (postoperative days 1 and 2).

Answer 8

lung congestion
dehydration
-Be sure to have pt cough, deep breathe, IS

Question 9

What is the possible cause of an elevated temperature of greater than 100 (37.8C) after the first 48 hours (postoperative day 3 and later).

Answer 9

infection (wound, urinary, respiratory)

Question 10

What are some GI complications and interventions postoperative?

Answer 10

• PONV: nausea vomiting, NPO, IV fluids, clear liquids, antiemetics, alternative therapy
• Constipation: adequate hydration
• postop ileum: assess bowel sounds/flatulence
• hiccups: early mobilization

Question 11

What are some urinary complications and interventions postoperative?

Answer 11

• retention: monitor urine output
• oliguria (small amount of urine): adequate hydration
• CAUTI: remove catheter asap, bladder scan/straight cath

Question 12

What are some surgical site complications postoperative?

Answer 12

• SSI: surgical site infection
• contamination of wound
• accumulation of fluid in the wound
• Dehiscence: have pt splint when coughing