Postoperative Care Flashcards
At what time after an operation do you start looking for sepsis when there’s fever present?
After 72 hours
How many days post-op is sepsis likely to occur?
3-5 days
Sometimes even later
How many days post-op should a patient be expected to have bowel sounds, following abdominal surgery?
2-3 days
Why is haemoglobin measured post-op?
Check for anaemia due to blood loss
What is done to prevent a deep vein thrombosis developing post-operatively?
DVT prophylaxis
What are aperients?
Used to relieve constipation
What should the urine output be post-operatively?
More than 30 mL/hour for at least 2 hours
In what conditions is urine output especially important to monitor?
Chronic cardia failure
Renal impairment
Otherwise can develop acute pulmonary oedema
Why is mobilisation important in fluid balance?
Encourages fluid shifting from interstitium into intravascular space
What does fever day 1 post-op suggest?
Usually drug fever
What does fever day 3 post-op suggest?
Lung complications
- Atelectasis
- Pneumonia
What does fever day 5+ post-op suggest?
Infection - Urinary tract - Surgical site Leaks Deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism
What is dehiscence?
Part of wound opens up
What is the point of surgical drains?
Put into space near surgery to keep area clear of fluid
What is an intercostal catheter used for?
Pneumothorax
