Complications
Postoperative complication that may result from the effect of anesthesia or the use of opioid based pain medications.
What is respiratory depression?
Can you tell me your name, do you know what day it is today, can you tell me where you are...
What are questions to determine LOC
Encouraging pulmonary exercises, such as turning frequently; deep breathing and coughing; and using an incentive spirometer are interventions that are aimed at preventing this postoperative respiratory concern.
What is atelectasis?
May be prescribed prophylactically for the purpose of reducing postoperative complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
What are low molecular weight heparin (Lovenox) or (unfractionated) heparin.
This diagnosis may be related to the following factors: mechanical interruption of the skin/tissues; altered circulation; or accumulation of drainage.
What is Impaired Skin Integrity?
Postoperative complications of the gastrointestinal system that may result from manipulation of the abdominal organs and the effects of some anesthetic agents. Symptoms include abdominal distention, discomfort, vomiting, and absence of bowel sounds.
What are intestinal obstruction and paralytic ileus?
Increased heart rate; increased respiratory rate; sweating, restlessness; wincing; groaning; or crying.
What are common signs and symptoms of pain?
The use of this breathing apparatus can achieve optimal respiratory function before and after surgery
What is an incentive spirometer?
Morphine 1 mg IV every 4 hours: Morphine 5 mg po every 4 hours.
What is an equianalgesic dose when converting IV to oral.
This diagnosis may be related to: open body cavities; infusion of cool intravenous fluids; and the effects of anesthetic agents.
What is Ineffective Thermoregulation?
One of the most serious postoperative complications due to loss of circulating intravascular volume
What is hypovolemic shock?
Monitoring vital signs; observing non-verbal cues; and/or using a scale based scoring system.
What are ways of assessing patient response to pain medication?
Older patients are at greater risk of this post-op complication often mistaken for dementia.
What is delirium?
Class of medications that are given to reduce oral, gastric, and pulmonary secretions and to prevent laryngospasm
What are anticholinergics
This diagnosis is used to describe the potential for a post-surgical complication that results in bladder distention and pain which may result from the effects of anesthetic agents, as well as anticholinergic and opioid medications.
What is Risk for Urinary Retention?
May result from electrolyte imbalances; altered respiratory function; pain; hypothermia; stress; and the effects of certain anesthetic agents.
Hint: You can "monitor" for this:)
What are cardiac dysrhythmias?
This phase of shock manifests with feelings of apprehension, decreased cardiac output, and vascular resistance.
What is the "early phase" of hypovolemic shock?
The nurse may perform this intervention in order to: provide a proper environment for wound healing; absorb drainage; splint or immobilize a wound; protect new epithelial tissue from mechanical injury; protect the wound from contamination; or to provide mental and physical comfort for the patient.
What is a dressing change?
This diagnosis may be related to depressed respiratory function, the use of opioid medications and anesthetic agents. Nursing interventions include deep breathing and coughing, and instructing the client on the use of an incentive spirometer.
What is Risk for Ineffective Airway Clearance?
Early ambulation helps reduce these three potential problems after surgery
What is atelectasis/pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis and constipation?
What is the most critical assessment to perform after surgery for a patient that underwent general anesthesia, moderate sedation, or has received sedative or opioid drugs?
What is a respiratory assessment?
Assessing breathing and oxygenation; monitoring vital signs; assessing the surgical site and wound drainage systems; assessing level of consciousness; assessing pain; assessing IV sites for patency; and assessing urine output are all interventions that the nurse performs during this time period.
What is immediately post-op (the immediate post-op period).
This nursing diagnosis may be related to: Situational crisis; unfamiliarity with environment; change in health status/threat of death; &/or separation from usual support systems
What is fear and anxiety