Pre-Operative Care

Question 1

pre-op

Answer 1

from when the decision for surgical intervention is made to when the patient is transferred to the OR table

Question 2

intra-op

Answer 2

from when the pt is transferred to the OR table to when they are admitted to PACU

Question 3

post-op

Answer 3

admission into PACU to follow up evaluation at home or clinical setting

Question 4

peri-op

Answer 4

the full surgical experience (pre,intra,post- op)

Question 5

emergency surgery

Answer 5

emergent

urgent surgery is within 24 hrs

Question 6

elective

Answer 6

pre-planned

Question 7

ambulatory surgery

Answer 7

“same day surgery”

surgery takes less than 2 hours and the pt is discharged on the same day

Question 8

informed consent

Answer 8

1. voluntary
2. mental capacity
3. properly informed

Question 9

nursing responsibilities of informed consent

Answer 9

witness:
- provider giving pt the necessary info
- ensure the pt is competent and understands the info
- notify the provider if pt has questions

Question 10

pre-op admission clinic (PAC) assessment

Answer 10

interview:

• obtain diagnostic results
• emotional status and medication regimen
• arrange family pick-up/transportation

Question 11

pre-op pt education

Answer 11

pt education:

• medication protocol
• what meds to stop taking prior to surgery
• NPO instructions
• infection prevention/wound care
• discharge details

Question 12

common lab pre-op testing

Answer 12

ABGs/oximetry
blood glucose 
RBC, Hb, Hct, platelets, WBC
blood type and cross match
BUN
chest radiograph
creatinine 
ECG
Electrolytes
Liver Function Tests 
pregnancy
INR/prothrombin
pulmonary function studies
urinalysis

Question 13

benzodiazepines

Answer 13

sedative and anxiety reducing meds

Question 14

anticholinergics

Answer 14

reduce PNS activity to decrease oral secretions

Question 15

opioid

Answer 15

pain and anesthesia

Question 16

antiemetics

Answer 16

nausea and vomiting (aspiration risk)

Question 17

antacids

Answer 17

combat acidity in GI

Question 18

Antibiotics

Answer 18

given prophylactically to decrease risk of infection

Question 19

smokers

Answer 19

smokers should be advised to stop 5 weeks before the surgery. At the very least, 24 hours before surgery. increased risk for pulmonary complications

Question 20

diabetes risk

Answer 20

diabetic pt who needs surgery is at risk for:

1. hyperglycemia
2. hypoglycemia
3. ketosis
4. cardiovascular alterations
5. delayed wound healing
6. infection

Question 21

renal system

Answer 21

renal function tests

males esp should be assessed for enlarged prostate as this can impair catheter insertion during surgery

Question 22

thyroid disorders

Answer 22

hyper/hypothyroidism causes alterations to metabolic rate, which puts the pt at risk when metabolizing surgical drugs /anesthetics

Question 23

the older adult

Answer 23

• many surgical pts are >65 yrs old
• age related changes to hepatic and renal function may alter clearance of anesthetic drugs/opioids
• greater risk for adverse reactions
• co-morbidities are more present