Perioperative Nursing Flashcards
What is Atelectasis?
Atelectasis, the collapse of part or all of a lung, is caused by a blockage of the air passages (bronchus or bronchioles) or by pressure on the lung.
What is compartment syndrome?
Compartment syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels
What is perioperative nursing?
Perioperative nursing is a nursing specialty that works with patients who are having operative or other invasive procedures. Perioperative nurses work closely with surgeons, anaesthesiologists, nurse anaesthetists, surgical technologists, and nurse practitioners
What is paralytic ileus?
A condition in which the muscles of the intestines do not allow food to pass through, resulting in a blocked intestine. Paralytic ileus may be caused by surgery, inflammation, and certain drugs.
What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling. Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms.
What is a stoma?
A stoma is a small opening in the abdomen which is used to remove body waste, such as faeces and urine, into a collection bag. You might need a stoma for a variety of reasons, including if you’ve had a section of your bowel removed
What is a hypovolemic shock?
Hypovolemic shock is a dangerous condition that happens when you suddenly lose a lot of blood or fluids from your body.
Your patient is reporting that they feel a strong urge to urinate and feel their bladder is full but just cant seem to pass urine, what advice do you give them?
A) drink plenty of fluids as this will help resolve this issue
B) This can be a common side effect of anaesthetic and opioid based pain relief; we will check how much is in your bladder using an ultrasound bladder scan
C) Dont worry you will go eventually
D) Bare down forcefully to help the urine start to flow
B) This can be a common side effect of anaesthetic and opioid based pain relief; we will check how much is in your bladder using an ultrasound bladder scan
Your patient asks why they are being given a laxative post operatively when their bowel habit is normally regular, what do you tell them?
A) You need to take it because your doctor prescribed it for you
B) It will help your body eliminate toxins from the anaesthetic
C) It will help counteract the constipating effect of your anaesthetic/strong pain medication
D) All of the above
C) It will help counteract the constipating effect of your anaesthetic/strong pain medication
Your patient asks why they must wear their graduated compression stockings to theatre as they are hot and itchy, how should you respond?
A) You have to wear them, or I will get in trouble with the nurse
B) They will prevent swelling and varicose veins
C) They assist in preventing venous stasis which helps to prevent blood clots forming in the deep veins
D) You can take them off if you like, they are entirely optional
C) They assist in preventing venous stasis which helps to prevent blood clots forming in the deep veins
Your patient is nil by mouth preoperatively, and they ask if they can have some chewing gum
A) Yes, this helps with dry mouth
B) No, it increases gastric secretions and therefore is not allowed
B) No, it increases gastric secretions and therefore is not allowed
Your patient asks why they must be nil by mouth for 6 hours before surgery, what do you tell them?
A) It is hospital protocol
B) Small amounts of fluid are fine, you are just not allowed solid food
C) It is to prevent reflux of stomach contents that can then be aspirated into your airway while you are under anaesthetic
D) So that your medications can be absorbed more quickly and work more effectively
C) It is to prevent reflux of stomach contents that can then be aspirated into your airway while you are under anaesthetic
You are just about to take your patient to theatre when they confide in you that they ate a small cookie an hour ago because they were ravenous, what are your next actions?
Thank them for telling you, explain that this likely means their surgery will be delayed as they have not been adequately fasted, inform pre op/surgical team
Your patient has recently returned from operating theatre with a plaster of paris (POP) to their lower leg following an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of their ankle, they complain of severe pain in their ankle that does not seem to have improved despite pain relief, what will you as the nurse do next?
A) Reassure the, that their pain relief will surely start to take effect soon
B) Sit them up in a chair as a change of position might help
C) Further elevate their leg, preform neurovascular checks, give some more analgesia and notify the doctor. The cast may need to be reviewed/split
D) Encourage mindfulness to help them manage their severe pain
C) Further elevate their leg, preform neurovascular checks, give some more analgesia and notify the doctor. The cast may need to be reviewed/split
What are the red flags that may indicate someone may be developing compartment syndrome?
Use the 5 P’s
Pain, pallor (pale skin tone), paresthesia (numbness feeling), pulselessness (faint pulse) and paralysis (weakness with movements).
Why is it important for colorectal patients to mobilise frequently post operative?
A) it is important for stimulating the peristalsis of the gut which is temporarily impacted by the shock to the bowel of having been handled during the surgery
B) It allows for more effective deep breathing which prevents atelectasis
C) It helps with circulation to reduce the chance of venous thromboembolism
D) all of the above
D) all of the above
What advice would you give a patient post operatively to help prevent worsening atelectasis?
A) Rest as much as possible to reduce your oxygen demand
B) Keep your oxygen in place 24/7
C) Perform deep breathing exercises and mobilise regularly
D) Take all medications as prescribed
C) Perform deep breathing exercises and mobilise regularly
What is atelectasis?
a complete or partial collapse of the entire lung or area (lobe) of the lung. It occurs when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) within the lung become deflated or possibly filled with alveolar fluid. Atelectasis is one of the most common breathing (respiratory) complications after surgery.
Your post op patient asks why everyone seem to be interested in checking that they have passed wind (flatus), what do you tell them?
A) Passing flatus is a medication side effect we are monitoring
B) Passing flatus is a sign that the gut is working and peristalsis is happening, lack of flatus is a potential sign of paralytic ileus
C) Passing flatus is a sign of a post operative complication
D) Passing flatus Is not allowed in multi bedded rooms
B) Passing flatus is a sign that the gut is working and peristalsis is happening, lack of flatus is a potential sign of paralytic ileus
What is paralytic ileus?
The condition where the motor activity of the bowel is impaired, usually without the presence of a physical obstruction. occurs after abdominal surgery.
Your patient has just returned to the ward following a long surgery on their hip, they have just eaten a sandwich and a cup of tea, but they state they are going to ask their family to bring in a double cheeseburger combo and a large hot fudge Sunday as they are still hungry what do you tell them?
A) Great Idea, can you get them to make it two? I will give you some money
B) You are not allowed food from outside the hospital unfortunately
C) We don’t advise you eat large heavy meals immediately after anaesthetic as nausea and vomiting are a common side effect
D) You are not allowed to have food delivered as the other patients will get jealous
C) We don’t advise you eat large heavy meals immediately after anaesthetic as nausea and vomiting are a common side effect
Ileostomies and colostomy’s can be permanent or temporary. Urostomies are always permanent?
True/false
True
What are common indications for a patient to undergo surgery for a colostomy?
Crohn’s disease.
diverticulitis.
an injury to the colon or rectum.
intestinal obstruction, which is a blockage in the large bowel.
colon cancer.
Stomas have no sphincter control therefore require a collection system.
True or false
True
