General operative terms
What does NPO mean?
What roles does the primary nurse play in surgery?
preoperative period is the phase in which the nurse admits the patient to the surgical unit and helps the individual prepare physically and emotionally for the operation
What are some important labs/tests that should be in place before surgery?
hemoglobin + hematocrit, white blood count, platelet count, serum electrolytes, urinalysis, chest Xray, diagnostic xray related to surgical procedure, electrocardiogram, blood type and cross match, Preoperative checklist
How long should a patient be NPO for?
◦Ensure patient is NPO at least 8 hours before surgery
True or false?
There is no difference between the perioperative period and the preoperative phase.
False
The intraoperative phase extends from the time the client is admitted to the operating room, to the time of anesthesia administration, performance of the surgical procedure and until the client is transported to the recovery room or postanesthesia care unit (PACU).
What are high alert medications that can affect surgery?
Corticosteroids
• Diuretics
• Phenothiazines
• Tranquilizers
• Insulin
• Antibiotics
• Anticoagulants
• Antiseizure medications
• Thyroid hormone
• Opioids
• OTC and herbals
What is informed consent?
Informed consent is a process of communication between you and your health care provider that often leads to agreement or permission for care, treatment, or services. Evey patient has the right to get information and ask questions before procedures and treatments.
What are some physiological assessments the RN should check for?
assess patient’s age, history, home medications, labs, drug/alcohol use, check for dentures, allergies
Check patient’s nutritional status, respiratory status ,cardiovascular status, hepatic/renal status
What is the postoperative phase?
The post-operative phase involves care and monitoring of the patient by a nurse. This phase involves the process of recovery of the patient from the effect of anesthesia and surgery.
True or false
The nursing attendant is responsible to teach the patient postoperative exercises
False,
The nurse is responsible to teach the patient postoperative exercises that will benefit them after surgery
What is the preoperative checklist?
It is a checklist that is required to be asked and assessed as part of your safe care before going for surgery.
What are some psychological assessments the RN should assess the patient for?
The nurse should assess for any fears, questions, or lifechanging adjustments a patient may have
Why should a patient remain NPO before surgery?
To prevent nausea and to prevent aspiration before anesthesia is given
Garlic, ginseng,echinacea
What are the 3 phases of surgery?
1) Preoperative
2) Intraoperative
3) Postoperative
Before a patient goes for surgery, the nurse must check the patient's chart for....
◦Informed consent: nurse should witness and assess consent for explanation of procedure, descriptions of risks and benefits, patient’s signature
◦Check doctor’s orders: procedure, labs, tests, allergies, preoperative checklist
◦Ensure patient is NPO at least 8 hours before surgery
Name 3 fears a patient may have before surgery
Pain.
Death
Separation from family.
Loss of part of the body.
Exposure of his body to strangers.
Unconsciousness and the inability to know or control what is happening
What does a living will consist of?
A living will is a written, legal document that spells out medical treatments you would and would not want to be used to keep you alive, as well as your preferences for other medical decisions, such as pain management or organ donatio