Pre-Op Assessment
Before surgery, the nurse must verify that this legal document has been completed and signed.
What is informed consent
Shallow breathing after surgery may lead to this complication.
What is Atelectasis?
Inability to move an extremity after surgery may indicate this.
What is nerve injury?
This electrolyte imbalance can cause muscle weakness and arrhythmias.
What is Hypokalemia?
This isotonic solution is commonly used for fluid resuscitation.
What is normal saline?
A patient reports shortness of breath when lying flat during the preoperative assessment; this finding is most concerning for impairment in this system prior to anesthesia.
What is the cardiovascular or respiratory system?
Sudden calf pain and swelling may indicate this condition.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
This condition results from prolonged immobility and muscle breakdown.
What is muscle atrophy?
Crackles and edema may indicate this fluid condition.
What is fluid volume excess?
This fluid should be avoided in patients with increased intracranial pressure.
What is hypotonic fluid?
The preop value is especially important in patients with diabetes.
What is blood glucose level?
This complication is characterized by fever, redness, and purulent drainage.
What is a surgical site infection?
Painful muscle spasms and rigidity may be signs of this syndrome
What is compartment syndrome?
Excessive vomiting can lead to this acid‑base imbalance.
What is metabolic alkalosis?
Lactated Ringer's contains this electrolyte.
What is potassium?
A patient scheduled for surgery reports taking aspirin daily; this information is critical because it increases the risk for this complication.
What is bleeding
Decreased urine output postoperatively may indicate this serious condition.
What is Acute Kidney Injury?
A sudden increase in pain after orthopedic surgery is a warning sign of this.
What is internal bleeding?
This lab value is monitored closely to assess kidney function.
What is creatinine?
This IV fluid pulls fluid into the vascular space.
What is Hypertonic solution?
During the preoperative interview, assessing for allergies to medications, latex, or iodine primarily helps prevent this serious complication.
What is an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis?
Restlessness and confusion are early signs of this life‑threatening problem.
What is Hypoxia?
This is the priority intervention to prevent joint stiffness postoperatively.
What is early ambulation or range-of-motion exercises?
Confusion and seizures may result from this electrolyte imbalance.
What is Hyponatremia?
This condition requires cautious IV fluid administration.
What is Heart Failure?