Post Anaesthetic Care Flashcards
What is the purpose of post-anaesthetic care?
To observe and monitor post-operative patients until it is safe to discharge them.
Where is post-anaesthetic care typically provided?
In the Recovery Room (RR) or Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU).
Why is a dedicated quiet area important in post-anaesthetic care?
To ensure a safe and quiet environment for patient recovery post-surgery.
Why is post-anaesthetic care important?
To monitor residual anaesthetic effects and manage complications promptly.
What residual effects may patients have after anaesthesia?
Residual effects of anaesthetic drugs that need monitoring.
Who staffs the Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU)?
Specially trained nurses and an anaesthetist for potential complications.
What is the recommended nurse-to-patient ratio in PACU?
1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio.
Why must a nurse remain with the patient until full recovery?
To ensure immediate response to any complications.
Name three essential pieces of equipment in PACU.
Beds/trolleys, oxygen delivery devices, and suction apparatus.
What are two early post-anaesthetic complications?
Respiratory insufficiency, nausea and vomiting.
Name two causes of respiratory insufficiency post-anaesthesia.
Airway obstruction, inadequate neuromuscular reversal.
How can airway obstruction cause respiratory insufficiency?
Tongue falling back, secretions, or laryngeal spasm.
What are the signs of CO2 retention in respiratory insufficiency?
Tachypnoea, bradypnoea, sweating, bounding pulse.
How is opioid respiratory depression treated in PACU?
Administer an opioid antagonist like Naloxone.
What is laryngospasm, and when does it commonly occur?
Reflex closure of vocal cords, commonly seen in children.
List two causes of laryngospasm.
Blood in the airway, URTI, asthma.
What is the first step in managing laryngospasm?
Call the anaesthetist and deliver 100% oxygen.
What factors contribute to post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV)?
Type of surgery, anaesthetic agents, female patients with a history of PONV.
What are two potential effects of PONV?
Dehydration, hypovolaemia, electrolyte derangement.
How is post-operative hypotension defined?
BP reduction of >20% below baseline.
List two common causes of post-operative hypotension.
Surgical blood loss, inadequate volume replacement.
How is post-operative hypertension commonly treated?
Based on the cause; could involve antihypertensives like Esmolol or Apresoline.
What causes shivering in post-anaesthetic patients?
Due to a fall in skin temperature without a drop in core temperature.
What adverse effects can shivering have on patients?
Increases oxygen consumption, heart rate, and the risk of post-op MI.
How can shivering be treated in the recovery room?
Oxygen supplementation, warming blankets, heated fluids.
What measures can prevent shivering in the operating room?
Keep OR warm, cover patients adequately, use warmed prepping solutions.
