Postoperative Complications Flashcards
What is the definition of a major surgery?
Involves extensive reconstruction or alteration in body parts; poses great risks to wellbeing
What is the definition of a minor surgery?
involves minimal alteration in body parts, often designed to correct deformities, involves minimal risks
What is the definition of an elective surgery?
usually is optional and may not be necessary for health
What is the definition of an urgent surgery?
necessary for patients health, may precent additional problems from developing, not necessarily emergent
Ablative Surgery
the excision or removal of diseased body part
Common neuro post operative complications
delirium
fever
hypothermia
pain
postoperative cognitive dysfunction
Common postoperative GI complications
delayed gastric emptying
distension and flatulence
hiccups
nausea and vomiting
postoperatice ileus
common postoperative respiratory complications
airway obstruction
aspiration
atelectstasis
bronchospasm
hypoventilation
hypoxemia
pneumonia
pulmonary edema
pulomary embolus
Common cardiovascular postoperative complications
dysrhythmias
hemorrhage
hypertension
hypotension
superficial thrombo-phlebitis
venous thrombo-embolism
common postoperative integumentary complications
dehiscence
hematoma
infection
common postoperative fluid and electrolyte complications
acid base disorders
electrolyte imbalances
fluid deficit
fluid overload
common postoperative urinary complications
infection
retention
What do narcotics affect?
resp rate
What are risk factors for hypothermia?
effects of anesthesia, stress response, and or body temperature loss in the OR
S&S of hypothermia
shaking, pale or cyanotic
Hypothermia intervention
rewarming (blankets, warm fluids, forced air warmers)
Who is at the highest risk for dizziness and fainting?
spinal/epidural as it freezes motor (movement), sensory (feeling) and autonomic (muscle tone) nerves
What are the S&S of postoperative delirium?
acute onset
fluctuation throughout the day
difficulty focusing attention
disorganized thinking
altered LOC
POSTOP DELIRIUM IS AN EMERGENCY!!!!!
Treatment for postoperative delirium?
PRISME
Airway obstruction risk factors?
spasm of bronchus and larynx
tongue falling back
S&S of airway obstruction?
stridor, tachypnea, shallow and wheezing, dyspnea, gasping increase pulse, irritability
Airway obstruction interventions
patient stimulation, positioning, artificial airway
Aspiration risk factors
GERD, pregnancy, H hernia, ulcers, trauma
S&S of aspiration
coughing
crackles
rattling chest
decreased O2
