Post-op Flashcards
What does PACU stand for?
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
PACU is the area where patients are monitored immediately after surgery.
What is the focus of nursing care in the PACU?
Maintain patient safety and identify actual and potential patient problems
This includes monitoring vital signs and assessing for complications.
What is the Modified Aldrete Scoring System used for?
To assess transition from Phase I to Phase II of recovery
A score of 8 to 10 indicates readiness for transfer or discharge.
What score indicates readiness for transfer or discharge in the Modified Aldrete Scoring System?
8 to 10
What key components should be included in discharge teaching?
- Actions and side effects of medications
- Activities allowed and prohibited
- Dietary restrictions
- Symptoms to report
- Hygiene instructions
- Follow-up care instructions
- Reasons to seek help
What are potential postoperative respiratory complications?
- Airway obstruction
- Hypoxemia
- Atelectasis
- Pulmonary edema
- Aspiration
- Bronchospasm
- Hypoventilation
What is a nursing intervention to prevent respiratory complications postoperatively?
Proper patient positioning
This includes lateral ‘recovery’ position and then supine or sitting up once conscious.
What cardiovascular complications can occur postoperatively?
- Hypotension
- Hypertension
- Dysrhythmias
- Venous Thromboembolism
- Syncope
What are common fluid and electrolyte imbalances postoperatively?
- Fluid overload
- Fluid deficit
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Hypokalemia
- Acid-base imbalances
What is the minimum urine output expected postoperatively?
0.5 mL/kg/hr
What is a common reason for patients to seek help after discharge?
Postoperative nausea/vomiting
What are signs of a surgical site infection (SSI)?
- Contamination of the wound
- Accumulation of fluid in the wound
- Signs/symptoms of infection
- Wound dehiscence
What is a common nursing intervention to prevent urinary complications postoperatively?
Monitor urine output
This includes adequate hydration and removing urinary catheters when no longer indicated.
True or False: Hypothermia and shivering are potential postoperative complications.
True
What should be the nurse’s initial action if a patient vomits bile-colored fluid with a nasogastric tube in place?
Check the patency of the tube
What is the priority laboratory finding to address before surgery?
Serum potassium 2.4 mEq/L
Fill in the blank: The nurse should monitor _______ signs frequently in the PACU.
vital
What are the common interventions to prevent GI complications postoperatively?
- Advance diet as tolerated
- Administer antiemetics/prokinetics
- Ensure adequate hydration
- Assess bowel sounds
What position should a client be placed in if they experience hypotension in the PACU?
Trendelenburg position
What is the expected bowel sounds finding immediately after surgery?
Absent
What does early mobilization help prevent postoperatively?
GI complications
What should be done for a patient with a low oxygen saturation of 92% in the PACU?
Administer oxygen
What is the purpose of compression stockings and pneumatic compression devices?
To prevent blood clots
What is a sign of fluid overload postoperatively?
Edema
