Post - operative Complications Flashcards
what factors contribute to post operative morbidity ?
pain, stress, nausea, vomiting, hypoaemia, sleep disturbances, fatigue, immobilisation, semistarvation, nasogastric tubes
what enhances recovery from a surgical procedure ?
pre operative assessment, planning and preparation
reduce physical stress of the operation,
pain relief,
early mobilisation
what are the complications of surgery ?
anaesthesia, general complications of operations, specific disorders
what are the general complications of an operation ?
haemorrhage infection impaired healing surgical injury inadvertent operative trauma
what are the complications of local anaesthesia ?
injection site - pain haematoma, infection, delayed sensation
vasoconstrictors - ischemic necrosis
systemic effects - allergy, toxicity
what are the complications of general anaesthesia ?
direct trauma, inherited disorders, idiosyncratic of allergic responses, slow recovery, awareness, fluid balance, hypothermia, inadvertent trauma
what types of infections can occur related to the operation site ?
minor wound infections
wound cellulitis and abscess
gas gangrene
late infective complications
what respiratory complications can occur during surgery ?
atelectasis pneumonia aspiration pneumonitis aspiration pneumonia acute respiratory distress syndrome
what can impair wound healing ?
wound dehiscence
incisional hernia
what problems can arise with fluid control during surgery ?
dehydration overload hyponatraemia hypokalemia urinary retention urinary tract infections acute renal failure
how can pressure sores be prevented ?
bed surfaces spread load relieving pressure on heels regular change of position regular checking of pressure areas management of incontinence
what are the common post operative problems ?
post op pain pyrexia tachycardia cough, shortness of breath, tachyponoea collapse nausea and vomiting disorders of bowel function poor urine output changes in mental state
what are the causes of pyrexia ?
infective - wound infection, chest infection, UTI, cannulation site infection
non-infective - transfusion reaction, DVT, haematoma, PE
what are the causes of tachycardia ?
pain and anxiety, infection, circulatory disturbance, arrhythmia
what are the causes of collapse or rapid deterioration ?
hypovolaemic shock, systemic sepsis, MI, PE, hypoxia, CVA, drugs - anaphylaxis
