Perioperative
What is the purpose of NPO before surgery?
To prevent aspiration during anesthesia
What is the role of a circulating nurse?
Manages environment, documents, and patient safety
What is the first assessment in PACU?
Airway and breathing
What are some postoperative hip arthroplasty precautions?
use abduction pillow or regular pillow between legs when lying in bed, avoid low sitting seats, do not cross legs or ankles, do not bend over to put shoes and socks on
What are the Signs of hemorrhage?
Low BP, high HR, bleeding, pallor
What are the informed consent requirements?
Patient must be competent, informed, and voluntary
Sterile vs. clean technique in the intraoperative phase?
Sterile used in surgery; clean for non-invasive procedures
What are the signs of wound infection?
Redness, swelling, warmth, purulent drainage
Patient has a latex allergy. What are the Latex allergy precautions?
Use latex-free equipment and alert surgical team
What are Pulmonary embolism symptoms?
Sudden dyspnea, chest pain, tachycardia
When does the preoperative phase begin and when does it end?
Begins when the surgeon and patient agree that surgery is necessary and will take place.
Ends when the patient is transferred to the OR.
What are the Malignant hyperthermia signs?
Muscle rigidity, high fever, tachycardia
How do we prevent DVT post-op?
Early ambulation, compression devices, anticoagulants
What is the priority with low O2 sat?
Assess the airway and apply oxygen
What are the indicators of paralytic ileus?
Absent bowel sounds, distension, nausea
What is the risk of herbal supplements?
May increase bleeding or interact with anesthesia.
What is the purpose of the Time-out procedure?
Verify patient, procedure, and site to prevent errors
How do you manage post-op nausea?
Administer antiemetics and reposition the patient
What are Fall risk interventions?
Bed alarms, assistive devices, and frequent rounding
What is Dehiscence vs. evisceration?
Dehiscence: wound opens; Evisceration: organs protrude
What laboratory tests should be performed before surgery?
CBC, electrolytes, coagulation profile (PT, PTT, INR), renal function (Creatine, BUN, eGFR, Urinalysis), Pregnancy test for women of childbearing age.
What is positioning injury prevention?
Use padding and proper alignment to avoid nerve damage.
How do you identify pain vs. complication signs
Unrelieved pain with abnormal findings may indicate complication
What is surgical site verification?
Surgeon marks site and team confirms before surgery
What are the interventions for shock?
Oxygen, fluids, monitor vitals, notify provider