Respiratory Complications
This device helps prevent atelectasis by encouraging lung expansion.
What is incentive spirometry?
To prevent constipation after surgery, the nurse encourages fluids, fiber, and this key activity.
What is early ambulation?
This nursing intervention—performed before and after wound care—is the most effective way to prevent postoperative infection.
What is hand hygiene?
Post-op patients must be turned, exercised, or walked to prevent this leg clot complication.
What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
The nurse must ensure the patient voids within several hours of surgery to detect this complication early.
What is urinary retention?
A patient who is drowsy after anesthesia is at increased risk for this complication caused by airway obstruction.
What is hypoxia?
Advancing the patient’s diet slowly and monitoring for return of bowel sounds helps prevent this complication.
What is postoperative nausea/vomiting?
This drainage characteristic—thick, yellow, or foul-smelling—indicates a possible wound infection.
What is purulent drainage?
A nurse encourages ankle pumps and leg movements to maintain venous return and prevent this life-threatening condition.
What is pulmonary embolism?
A firm, rounded mass above the pubic area suggests this postoperative problem.
What is a palpable bladder due to urinary retention?
Early ambulation, coughing, and deep breathing prevent this potentially fatal postoperative respiratory complication.
What is atelectasis?
This GI complication may occur if the patient has absent bowel sounds and abdominal distention.
What is paralytic ileus?
A postoperative patient with an indwelling catheter is at increased risk for this type of infection.
What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
This device promotes circulation by inflating and deflating around the lower legs.
What are sequential compression devices (SCDs)?
This assessment tool helps confirm urinary retention by measuring the volume of urine remaining after the patient voids.
What is a bladder scan?
This intervention—taught pre-op and reinforced post-op—helps mobilize secretions and improve ventilation.
What is deep-breathing and coughing exercises?
A patient on opioid pain medications is at high risk for this GI problem; the nurse monitors stool frequency closely.
What is opioid-induced constipation?
Encouraging adequate protein and hydration supports this infection-preventing process.
What is wound healing?
This is the most common early vital sign change in hypovolemic shock.
What is tachycardia?
If the patient cannot void, the nurse may need to perform this intervention based on provider orders.
What is catheterization?
This early lung sound—often heard at the bases—may indicate fluid accumulation and the beginning stages of postoperative pneumonia.
What are crackles?
Antiemetics are given in PACU to prevent this complication due to vomitting.
What is aspiration?
This assessment is essential for detecting early surgical site infection.
What is monitoring the incision (for redness, drainage, or warmth)?
A sudden drop in blood pressure and rapid heart rate post-op may indicate this life-threatening circulatory complication.
What is hemorrhage?
A postoperative patient with a catheter is at greatest risk for UTI if this essential intervention is missed.
What is maintaining proper catheter hygiene and sterile technique?