PACU Priorities
What is the first position a new unconscious client should be placed in upon arrival in the PACU?
What is the lateral "recovery" position?
A red, swollen calf after surgery could indicate what serious complication?
What is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
What is the best intervention before encouraging deep breathing and ambulation in post-op clients?
What is administer analgesics?
What is the best first step when a client expresses doubt about self-care post-discharge?
What is nursing education/discharge planning?
After surgery, which vital sign should be assessed first upon arrival to the surgical unit?
What is the blood pressure (or vital signs)?
A temperature of 38.2°C on postoperative day 2 is likely caused by?
What is atelectasis?
What intervention helps relieve gas pains after surgery?
What is ambulation?
What sign indicates ineffective airway clearance is resolved?
What are clear breath sounds?
If a client in PACU has an O2 sat of 88% and is unconscious, what action should the nurse take first?
What is perform the jaw-thrust manoeuvre?
Bright-red drainage on a surgical dressing indicates what?
What is possible hemorrhage?
What type of ROM exercise should a bedrest client perform every 1-2 hours?
What is active ROM?
What age-related change affects older adults' post-op respiratory recovery?
What is decreased ability to cough?
What should the nurse assess first if a postoperative client hasn't voided for 7 hours?
What is bladder distension?
What kind of drainage from a T-tube is considered normal after gallbladder surgery?
What is dark green to bright yellow drainage?
What is the first step if a client's BP drops significantly in PACU? (Post anaesthesia care unit)
What is increase oxygen flow rate?
If an unconscious client has a low O2 sat post-op, what should be done first?
What is clear the airway with a jaw-thrust maneuver?
What is a common cause of restlessness and shouting in the immediate post-op period?
What is emergence delirium?
What is the priority collaborative problem for an older adult on bed rest post-hip surgery?
What is venous thromboembolism?
In what order should you respond to a client who feels dizzy while ambulating?
What is: Lay the client down, check blood pressure, assist to sit, then record findings?
If a postoperative client is agitated but has stable vitals and labs, what should the nurse check first?
What is ensure IV lines are secure?