Complications
Assessments
Interventions
Pharm Pop Quiz
Nursing Diagnoses
100
Postoperative complication that may result from the effect of anesthesia or the use of opioid based pain medications.
What is respiratory depression?
100

A quantifiable tool that assists the post op nurse in determining level of unintentional sedation due to opioid medications

What is the POSS?

100
Encouraging pulmonary exercises, such as turning frequently; deep breathing and coughing; and using an incentive spirometer are interventions that are aimed at preventing this postoperative respiratory concern.
What is atelectasis?
100

The only person that should push the button on a PCA.

Who is the patient

100

This diagnosis may be related to the following factors: mechanical interruption of the skin/tissues; altered circulation; or accumulation of drainage.

What is Impaired Skin Integrity?

200

Postoperative complications of the gastrointestinal system that may result from manipulation of the abdominal organs and the effects of some anesthetic agents. Symptoms include abdominal distention, discomfort, vomiting, and absence of bowel sounds.

What is paralytic ileus?

200
Increased heart rate; increased respiratory rate; sweating, restlessness; wincing; groaning; or crying.
What are common signs and symptoms of pain?
200
Tilting the head back; opening the mouth; and thrusting the jaw forward while lifting it gently.
What are maneuvers to resolve hypopharyngeal airway obstruction?
200

May be prescribed  for the purpose of reducing postoperative complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). (Two medications)

What are low molecular weight or low dose heparin and Coumadin (warfarin)?

200
This diagnosis may be related to: open body cavities; infusion of cool intravenous fluids; and the effects of anesthetic agents.
What is Ineffective Thermoregulation?
300

Results from prolonged anesthesia exposure, which causes all muscles to become relaxed. Is treated by tilting the head back ond thrusting the jaw forward.

What is hypopharyngeal obstruction?

300
Monitoring vital signs; observing non-verbal cues; and/or using a scale based scoring system.
What are ways of assessing patient response to pain medication?
300

Vital signs are monitored and documented in this time frame.

What is every 15 minutes?

300

This class of drug should be prescribed along with an opioid to combat a common side effect.

What is a stool softener.

300

This NANDA diagnosis is used to describe the potential for a post-surgical complication that causes bladder distention and pain which may result from the effects of anesthetic agents, as well as anticholinergic and opioid medications.

What is Risk for Urinary Retention?

400
May result from electrolyte imbalances; altered respiratory function; pain; hypothermia; stress; and the effects of certain anesthetic agents.
What are cardiac dysrhythmias?
400

Pallor, cool skin, rapid breathing, cyanosis, weak, thready pulse and narrowing pulse pressure.

What are signs of hypovolemic shock?

400
The nurse may perform this intervention in order to: provide a proper environment for wound healing; absorb drainage; splint or immobilize a wound; protect new epithelial tissue from mechanical injury; protect the wound from contamination; or to provide mental and physical comfort for the patient.
What is a dressing change?
400
Examples include Dilaudid, Morphine, codeine, Percocet and Percodan. May be administered at prescribed intervals or given as needed (PRN).
What are opioid-based analgesic medications?
400

This diagnosis may be related to depressed respiratory function, the use of opioid medications and anesthetic agents. Nursing interventions include deep breathing and coughing, and instructing the client on the use of an incentive spirometer.

What is Risk for Ineffective Airway Clearance?

500

The patient is turned to one side to promote mouth drainage and prevent aspiration

What is the priority intervention when a patient is nauseated?

500

The most critical assessment to perform after surgery for a patient that underwent general anesthesia, moderate sedation, or has received sedative or opioid drugs?

What is a respiratory assessment?

500
Assessing breathing and oxygenation; monitoring vital signs; assessing the surgical site and wound drainage systems; assessing level of consciousness; assessing pain; assessing IV sites for patency; and assessing urine output are all interventions that the nurse performs during this postoperative period.
What is the immediate postoperative period?
500
Useful for patients who have undergone surgery and are expected to experience significant or prolonged levels of pain. May be administered by continuous infusion, or bolus dose as necessary.
What is patient controlled analgesia?
500

This diagnosis relates to a patient's ability to manage wound care; adhere to dietary restrictions; participate in activity recommendations; use medications appropriately;obtain follow up care; and recognize signs and symptoms of complications.

What is Risk for Ineffective Therapeutic Regimen Management?

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