Post-Op

Question 1

List some (13) components of a postoperative order:

Answer 1

1. Medications
2. Diet
3. Intake & Output
4. IV fluids
5. Vital Signs
6. Urinary catheter
7. Activity
8. Positioning
9. Wounds and Skin Treatment
10. Suction
11. Abdominal Drains
12. Referrals to Multidisciplinary teams
13. Discharge and follow-up

Question 2

What is a “Sips - DAT” diet order?

Answer 2

This diet order allows the RN to slowly increase the patient diet as tolerated based on their assessments of the patient without requiring a further written diet order from the Surgeon.

Question 3

Why might the Surgeon order specific positioning orders post-op?

Answer 3

To prevent bed sores or aspirating.

Question 4

How long post-op are a patients I & O monitored and recorded for?

Answer 4

24-48hrs

Question 5

What do vital signs consist of?

Answer 5

temperature, pulse, respiration rate and blood pressure

Question 6

Why is suction ordered post-op?

Answer 6

To remove fluid and/or air from the body cavities and surgical wounds. It is usually ordered to remove post-op secretions or to impede vomiting.

Question 7

What are the 2 most common types of incisional suctions?

Answer 7

Hemovac and Davol.

Question 8

What are the 2 most common abdominal drains used?

Answer 8

penrose or JP (Jackson/Pratt) drain

Question 9

What various Multidisciplinary team referrals might be ordered for a patient?

Answer 9

Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Dietician, Wound Care Nurse, Social Work etc.

Question 10

What are the NUC’s responsibilities post-op (checklist)?

Answer 10

1. Inform RN of patients arrival from PARR/PACU
2. Remove addressograph and return to addressograph holder prn.
3. File old thinned charts in the appropriate place on ward
4. Organize chart and file all OR records behind the proper dividers in the correct order in the chart.
5. Scan orders for Medications and fax to Pharmacy if not already done in PARR/PACU
6. Transcribe the post-op orders informing RN of any STAT orders.
7. Record date and type of surgery performed on the Kardex under “Operations” in INK
8. Record catheters or drains that may still be in the patient.
9. A new MAR is started post op.

Question 11

Give 4 examples of post-op medication orders and why they are given.

Answer 11

1. Narcotics - to relieve pain
2. antiemetics - for nausea and vomiting
3. hypnotics/sedatives - for rest/sleep
4. antibiotics - to prevent post-op infections