BEFORE THE OR
This term means no eating, drinking, smoking, or oral medications unless specifically directed.
What is NPO?
This healthcare provider is responsible for explaining the surgical procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Who is the surgeon?
A respiratory rate below this number after surgery may indicate respiratory depression from anesthesia or opioids.
What is 10 breaths/minute?
Collapse of lung tissue after surgery is called this.
What is atelectasis?
A postoperative patient is reluctant to cough because the incision hurts. The nurse can teach the patient to hold a pillow firmly against the incision using this technique.
What is splinting?
This phase begins when surgery is scheduled and ends when the patient is transferred to the surgical suite.
What is the preoperative phase?
When witnessing informed consent, the nurse witnesses this, not whether the patient fully understands the procedure.
What is the patient's signature?
After surgery, this assessment takes priority when the patient arrives on the medical-surgical unit.
What is airway/respiratory status?
Partial or complete separation of the outer layers of a surgical wound is called this.
What is dehiscence?
A patient's Jackson-Pratt drain is emptied. The nurse compresses the reservoir before closing it in order to restore this.
What is suction?
A preoperative patient says, “My father almost died from a reaction to anesthesia.” The nurse should immediately investigate a family history of this condition.
What is malignant hyperthermia?
A competent patient signs consent but then says, “I've changed my mind. I don't want surgery.” The patient is exercising this right.
What is the right to refuse treatment?
Tachycardia, muscle rigidity, rising end-tidal CO₂, and decreasing oxygen saturation after anesthesia should make the nurse suspect this emergency.
What is malignant hyperthermia?
Total separation of a surgical wound with internal organs protruding through the opening is called this.
What is evisceration?
A postoperative patient's SpO₂ drops to 88%. Pain is 6/10 and the dressing has a small amount of drainage. This problem takes priority.
What is impaired oxygenation/gas exchange?
Coughing, deep breathing, incentive spirometry, turning, and early ambulation are taught before surgery primarily to prevent these after surgery.
What are postoperative complications?
Immediately before surgery begins, the surgical team pauses to verify the patient, procedure, and surgical site.
What is the time-out?
This medication is specifically used to treat malignant hyperthermia.
What is dantrolene?
A postoperative patient says, “I coughed and felt something pop.” The nurse should immediately suspect one of these two wound complications.
What are dehiscence or evisceration?
A postoperative patient suddenly becomes restless and anxious, has a heart rate of 128, and urine output is decreasing. The nurse should suspect this potentially life-threatening complication.
What is hemorrhage/bleeding?
A patient admits taking aspirin the night before surgery even though they were told to stop it. This is the nurse's priority action.
What is notify the surgeon/anesthesia provider?
A patient is ready for transport but tells the nurse, “I don't really understand why they're removing my gallbladder.” This is the nurse's best action.
What is stop the process and notify the surgeon for further explanation?
A patient develops a temperature of 106°F after receiving general anesthesia. Students should recognize that extreme hyperthermia is actually this type of sign of malignant hyperthermia.
What is a late sign?
A patient's abdominal incision opens and bowel is visible. The nurse should position the patient with knees bent and cover the area using dressings moistened with this solution
What is sterile normal saline?
Five days after abdominal surgery, a patient vomits and the incision opens with bowel protruding. After calling for help, the nurse should place the patient in this position.
What is supine with the hips and knees bent?