Postop Complications
List two common signs of a surgical site infection.
Redness, warmth, swelling, purulent drainage, increased pain, fever/chills.
Name one measure used to help prevent DVT in postoperative patients.
early ambulation, leg exercises, SCDs/compression stockings, prophylactic anticoagulants.
Name two common symptoms of postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are typical.
Name one postoperative complication that elderly patients are especially at risk for.
Delirium, falls, poor wound healing, and respiratory complications.
What is the main goal of giving prophylactic antibiotics before surgery?
To prevent surgical site infections from microbial contamination.
What are the typical signs of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the leg?
Unilateral leg swelling, redness, warmth, and calf tenderness or pain.
List two signs of hypovolemic shock.
Hypotension, tachycardia, cold/clammy skin, decreased level of consciousness, and low urine output.
What is an ileus, and name one assessment finding that suggests it may be present.
An ileus is a temporary stoppage of bowel motility; signs include abdominal distention, absent bowel sounds, and failure to pass flatus or stool.
Why is tight blood glucose control so important for postoperative patients with diabetes?
It reduces infection risk and improves wound healing by avoiding both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
What is the primary goal when positioning a patient for surgery?
To optimize exposure of the surgical site while maintaining airway patency and circulation and preventing pressure/nerve injury.
Name two classic signs of a pulmonary embolism (PE).
Sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain, tachycardia, feeling of doom, low oxygen saturation.
What is the initial treatment for suspected hypovolemic shock after surgery?
Rapid fluid resuscitation with IV fluids (and blood products if needed).
Name one way to help prevent constipation after surgery.
Increase fluids (if allowed), encourage ambulation, and provide fibre and stool softeners as ordered.
Why are obese patients at higher risk for postoperative respiratory complications?
Extra adipose tissue impairs chest expansion and gas exchange and is often associated with sleep apnea and hypoventilation.
Why are deep-breathing and coughing exercises so important after surgery?
They expand alveoli, help clear secretions, and reduce the risk of atelectasis and pneumonia.
What is the difference between wound dehiscence and wound evisceration?
Dehiscence: wound edges separate. Evisceration: internal organs protrude through the wound.
Give one symptom that may suggest a significant postoperative electrolyte imbalance.
Muscle weakness or cramps, confusion, irregular heart rhythm, paresthesia.
Give two reasons why a patient might develop urinary retention after surgery.
Effects of anesthesia, opioids/pain meds, and prior catheter use can all interfere with normal bladder function.
Name one unique postoperative need of pediatric patients.
Age-appropriate pain assessment and management, plus reassurance and emotional support for the child and parents.
Give one psychosocial factor that can increase surgical risk or complicate recovery.
High anxiety, depression, poor coping skills, lack of family or social support.
What is the priority first nursing action if abdominal evisceration occurs?
Cover the organs with a sterile saline-moistened dressing, have the patient bend knees/avoid straining, and notify the surgeon immediately (keep NPO, prepare for OR).
Why is careful monitoring of IV fluids and lab values especially important after major blood loss or bowel surgery?
Significant blood loss and fluid shifts can cause severe electrolyte and volume imbalances, which must be detected and corrected quickly to prevent dysrhythmias, organ failure, or shock.
What is one assessment and one intervention the nurse might perform if urinary retention is suspected?
Assessment: palpate/bladder scan for distention, assess urine output and urge to void.
Intervention: assist to the bathroom or commode, and if still unable to void, perform intermittent or indwelling catheterization per order.
For pregnant patients who have surgery, what is one priority monitoring focus in the postoperative period?
Monitoring fetal well-being and watching for signs of preterm labour, hemorrhage, or venous thromboembolism.
Describe one way nurses can provide psychological support to reduce anxiety in the preoperative period.
By giving clear information, answering questions, listening to concerns, using calm reassurance, and advocating for patient needs (e.g., pain control, support person).