The postoperative patient

Question 1

Extubation process

Answer 1

-leave patient on O2 for 5 minutes
-untie ET tube and check reflexes
-Disconnect from anesthesia machine/turn o2 off/ recheck reflexes
-When patient regains ability to swallow, deflate cuff and pull ET tube
-transport to recovery cage and monitor for 5 to 10 minutes

Question 2

Hypothermia

Answer 2

most patient lose body heat within the first 20 minutes of a procedure
<93 is worrisome
Try:
-rewarming
-blankets/towels/heating pad
-warm fluids

Question 3

Emergence delirium

Answer 3

causes patient to be erratic/rough recovery/thrashing and crying
Risks: trauma/dehiscence/hyperthermia
Treatments: tranquilizers and careful approach

-Labradors and nordic breeds are more prone

Question 4

Seroma

Answer 4

collection of fluid in a pocker under the skin that forms from excess movement
-Treatment: warm moist compresses daily. drained and pressure bandage

Question 5

Dehiscence

Answer 5

Premature loss of sutures
-usually due to patient licking or chewing at surgical site