Postoperative Care Flashcards
What information does a PACU nurse obtain from the surgical team?
patient’s general status, a review of anesthetic agents, surgical complications, and need for special equipment and nursing care
How often are assessments on a PACU patient usually done?
q15min or more frequently
What are nursing interventions in the PACU focused on?
monitoring and maintaining airway
Respiratory, circulatory and neurological changes
managing pain
What is the Aldrete score (PARS)?
an objective scoring system that helps identify when patients are ready for discharge from PACU
What must the PARS composite score be in order to discharge patient from PACU?
8-10
What happens if the PARS composite score is still poor after 2-3 hours?
the stay lengthens or patient is transferred to the ICU
How many identifiers are used when transferring a patient between care units?
2
What must be done before the PACU nurse leaves the acute care area?
the staff nurse assuming care for the patient takes a complete set of vital signs to compare with PACU findings
What should the PARSAP score be for a patient to be discharged to home?
at least 18 (lower if patient unable to walk or move extremities before surgery
What should the PARSAP score be for a patient to be discharged to home?
at least 18 (lower if patient unable to walk or move extremities before surgery
How often should a patient who arrives on the acute care unit have their vital signs checked?
q15min x 2, q30min x 2, q1hr x2, q4hr and then qShift
What glucose level is acceptable for postsurgical patients?
less than 150 mg/dL (normoglycemia)
What is the term for the separation of wound edges at the suture line?
dehiscence
What is the term for the protrusion of internal organs and tissues through an incision?
evisceration
What is the formula used to predict a patient’s maximum heart rate?
220-patient’s age= predicted maximum HR
