The Pre-Operative Phase

Question 1

Role of nurse in pre-operative phase

Answer 1

• Gather relevant data and info (check consent etc)
• Make appropriate judgments, decisions and set priorities
• Prepare for and take action- evaluate impacts and outcomes
• Nurse prepares patient physically and emotionally for procedure
• Provide relevant patient education relating to preventing complications, assuming self care etc

Question 2

Pre-Op phase: Gathering Relevant data and info

Answer 2

• Patients answer self report checklist (e.g. allergies)
• Nurses conduct physical assessment; lab tests sometimes required
• Education starts; patient’s questions answered and documentation initiated
• Pre-op assessment sometimes reveals abnormalities that delay procedures (e.g. fever; sign of infection)
• Goal→ to establish patient’s normal preoperative function; assist to prevent possible post op complications
• Vital signs; rules out fluid and electrolyte abnormalities before surgery

Question 3

Pre-Op phase: Set Priorities and Goals

Answer 3

• Nurse and patient set realistic goals with measurable outcomes
• Involving patient early; can minimise post-op complications and informed patient less likely to be scared and participate in post- op recovery

Question 4

Pre-Op phase: Evaluate impacts and outcomes

Answer 4

• Ask patients to describe typical monitoring and care activities for post- op and observe demonstration of post-op exercises
• Ask patient to express any remaining fears or concerns

Question 5

Pre- Op Patient Education

Answer 5

Focus on patients expected post-op experience, learning and teaching principles→ positive influence on recovery; recovery less complicated
Can increase post-op factors of——–>
- Lung function→ deep breathing and coughing while patient is pain free helps them to complete in post-op
- Physical function→ teaching feet/leg exercises helps reduce post op DVE; ability to resume walking improves
- Wellbeing→ Adequately prepared patients develop less anxiety
- Pain control→ Patients learning about pain and how to relieve; more likely to ask for what they need