Wound
What is the term for a surgical incision that reopens after being closed?
Dehiscence
What is the most common cause of postoperative hypoxemia?
Atelectasis
What is a common cause of postoperative hypotension?
Fluid loss or hemorrhage
What is the term for delayed return of bowel function after surgery?
Ileus
What is a common cause of urinary retention post-op?
Effects of anesthesia or opioid use
What visible sign might indicate a surgical site infection?
Redness, swelling, drainage, or odor
What simple interventions can help prevent pneumonia post-op?
Incentive spirometry and ambulation
What symptoms might indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Unilateral leg swelling and pain
What can the nurse do to prevent constipation post-op?
Encourage fluids, ambulation, and high-fiber diet when allowed.
When should a post-op patient be expected to void after surgery?
6-8 hours
What should the nurse do first if incisional dehiscence occurs?
Cover with sterile saline-soaked gauze and notify the surgeon immediately
How often should incentive spirometry be performed postoperatively?
10 times every hour while awake
What intervention helps prevent DVT formation?
Early ambulation or use of sequential compression devices (SCDs)
What finding suggests possible GI bleeding postoperatively?
Black tarry stools or vomiting “coffee-ground” material
What is oliguria defined as?
Urine output <30 mL/hr
Which patients are at higher risk for wound infection?
Those with diabetes, obesity, or poor nutrition
What is the early sign of hypoxia in a post-op patient?
Restlessness or anxiety
What is the immediate nursing response to postoperative chest pain?
Assess vital signs, oxygen, notify provider (possible PE or MI)
What should be done if a patient has a distended abdomen, nausea, vomiting, absent bowel sounds on exam.
keep patient NPO, insert NG tube for decompression, and notify the surgeon immediately. SBO protocol
What is an early indicator of hypovolemia?
Decreased urine output
Scenario:
Mr. Davis, 67, is 7 days post-CABG and reports increasing chest pain and drainage from his sternal incision. Temperature is 100.8°F.
Question:
What nursing assessments and actions should be performed immediately?
Assess wound (drainage, redness, separation), obtain vital signs, notify surgeon, prepare for wound culture, reinforce education on infection prevention.
Scenario:
A 58-year-old patient is 12 hours post abdominal surgery. The patient is drowsy, has shallow breathing, and O₂ saturation of 89% on room air.
Question:
What nursing actions are priority?
Elevate head of bed, encourage deep breathing and coughing, use incentive spirometer, apply oxygen as ordered, and notify provider if no improvement.
Scenario:
A 72-year-old post–hip replacement patient complains of calf pain and swelling on the right leg. The leg is warm and tender to touch.
Question:
What complication is suspected, and what actions should the nurse take?
Suspect DVT — keep leg still, notify provider, avoid massage ( take off SCDs!), prepare for diagnostic tests (ultrasound), and anticipate anticoagulation orders.
Scenario:
Mr. Lopez, age 68, was admitted after a total knee replacement 5 days ago. He has been receiving ibuprofen regularly for pain. This morning, he complains of dizziness and weakness. His stool is black and tarry, and his blood pressure is 88/54 mmHg with a heart rate of 112 bpm. He appears pale and diaphoretic.
Questions:
What are the nurse’s priority actions at this time?
Notify provider, place patient in supine position, obtain vital signs frequently, start IV fluids, prepare for blood transfusion, monitor output.
Case Study Question:
A 55-year-old patient is 3 days post abdominal surgery. She reports burning with urination and lower abdominal pain. Her temperature is 100.9°F, and her urine appears cloudy with a strong odor.
Question:
What postoperative complication is the patient most likely experiencing, and what nursing interventions are appropriate?
UTI
Notify provider for urine culture and antibiotic orders.
Encourage increased oral fluid intake (if not contraindicated).
Monitor temperature and urine output.
Reinforce perineal hygiene and handwashing.