The Client Having Surgery : Info from Mosby's Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker - E-Book – Sheila A. Sorrentino, Leighann Remmert, Mary J. Wilk, Rosemary Newmaster Flashcards
The loss of feeling or sensation produced by a medication that blocks the pain impulses to the brain; usually causes loss of consciousness.
anesthesia
A blood clot, an air bubble, or a fat clot (a thrombus ) that travels through the vascular system and finally lodges in a distant blood vessel.
embolus
Unconsciousness and the loss of feeling or sensation produced by a medication.
general anesthesia
The loss of sensation in a small area, produced by a medication injected at the specific site or by a topical application.
local anesthesia
A blood clot, an air bubble, or a fat clot that forms in a blood vessel.
thrombus
Surgery that must be done soon to prevent further damage, disability, or disease.
urgent surgery
surgery that does not require a hospital stay
outpatient surgery (also called ambulatory surgery , one-day surgery , or same-day surgery ),
surgery that is scheduled but non-urgent. Delaying the surgery does not result in permanent damage, disability, or death.
elective surgery
surgery that must be done immediately to save a client’s life or prevent disability.
emergency surgery
Common fears about surgery are:
• Disfigurement and scarring • Disability • Pain during and after surgery • Dying during surgery • Anesthesia and its effects • Exposure • Severe pain or discomfort after surgery • Tubes, needles, and other equipment used for care • Complications • Prolonged recovery • More surgery or treatments • Separation from family and friends • Nausea and vomiting
Common concerns about surgery are:
• Caring for children and other family members • Taking care of pets, the house, lawn, and garden • Payment of monthly bills, loans, mortgage, or rent • Insurance coverage for loss of earnings • Loss of control • Restrictions on lifestyle
PSWs can witness consent for surgery.
T or F
False
as this is not in their scope of practice.
A client asks you to reveal information about the results of their surgery. How should you respond?
Explain that you cannot give it and that you will get your supervisor to provide that information. Ensure that you report to your supervisor your client’s concerns and questions so that the supervisor can answer the questions or direct the client to the doctor, who can address these issues.
The PSW role in psychological care before surgery is to:
• Listen to the client when the client voices fears or concerns about surgery. • Refer any questions about the surgery or its results to the nurse. • Explain to the client the procedures that you will perform and the reasons for them. • Communicate effectively. Use verbal and non-verbal communication. • Report to your supervisor verbal and non-verbal signs of fear or anxiety that you have observed in the client. • Report to your supervisor a client’s request to see a spiritual advisor.
CBC stands for
Complete blood count
ECG stands for
Electrocardiogram
If a client is NPO, you should remove the water pitcher and drinking glasses from the room.
T or F
True
Cleansing enemas are common before intestinal surgeries.
T or F
True
They are ordered to clear the colon of feces so that feces do not spill into the abdominal cavity when the intestine is opened.
All surgeries will necessitate urinary catheterization.
T or F
False
Only some surgeries will necessitate urinary catheterization. For pelvic and abdominal surgeries, the bladder must be empty, as a full bladder is easily injured during surgery.
Personal care before surgery usually involves the following:
• Giving a complete bed bath, shower, or tub bath. • Removing makeup and nail polish. • Caring for hair. • Giving oral hygiene to promote comfort. • Removing dentures. • Removing all jewellery.
Removing makeup and nail polish is done to reduce microbes present.
T or F
False
It is done so that the skin, lips, and nail beds can be observed for colour and circulation during and after surgery.
Before surgery, all hairpins, clips, combs, and similar items as well as wigs and hairpieces are removed.
T or F
True
Clients must remove their dentures before being transferred to surgery.
T or F
False
Before preoperative medications are given, dentures are removed, cleaned, and kept in a denture cup in a safe place. Some clients do not like being seen without their dentures, in which case allow them to wear their dentures as long as possible.
Skin preparation is done to sterilize the skin before surgery.
T or F
False
The skin cannot be sterilized, but skin prep can help reduce the number of microbes.
PACU stands for
post-anesthesia care unit
The two major respiratory complications after surgery are
pneumonia
and
atelectasis , the collapse of a portion of the lung.
To help prevent respiratory complications after surgery, PSWs may be tasked to assist with
Coughing and deep-breathing exercises and incentive spirometry, done every 1 to 2 hours when the client is awake.
Leg exercises help increase venous blood flow and thus prevent the formation of a thrombus.
T or F
True
Place a pillow under the client’s calf for comfort.
T or F
False
Do not place pillows under the client’s calf as it may cause pooling of blood and create a risk for clot formation.
What measures might be ordered to reduce the risk of a thrombus?
leg exercises, elastic stockings or bandages, early ambulation
NG tube stands for
nasogastric tube
It is important that the patient voids within the first ___ hours after a surgery.
8
The client ambulates for the first time the day after the surgery.
T or F
False
The client is usually encouraged to ambulate even on the day of surgery.
Mr. Long’s preoperative medication has been given to him. He: A. Must remain in bed B. Is allowed to walk within his room C. Can use the commode to void D. Is allowed only sips of water
A. Must remain in bed
Mr. Long must do coughing and deep breathing exercises after surgery to prevent: A. Bleeding B. A pulmonary embolus C. Respiratory complications D. Pain and discomfort
C. Respiratory complications
Postoperatively, Mr. Long’s position is changed: A. Every 2 hours B. Every 3 hours C. Every 4 hours D. Every shift
A. Every 2 hours
The client may be allowed to continue to wear a wedding band or religious medal during surgery.
T or F
True
The item is secured in place with gauze or tape, according to hospital policy.
If two puffs are ordered from a MDI, wait at least 1 minute between puffs of the first medication.
T or F
True
If switching to another medication, wait 2 minutes before switching to the other medication.
T or F
False
wait at least 5 minutes to allow the first medication to take effect.
After taking a dose from an MDI, have the client rinse the mouth with water and spit out. Instruct the client not to swallow the water.
T or F
True
Outpatient surgery may require prep at home before surgery.
T or F
True
