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Exam (elaborations)

Post op and pre-op

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This comprehensive guide covers essential preoperative and postoperative nursing care principles, ideal for nursing students and NCLEX preparation. It includes patient preparation before surgery, informed consent, NPO status, and vital checks, as well as key post-op monitoring, pain management, wound care, and complication prevention strategies. This document simplifies surgical nursing responsibilities with clear explanations, helping you master care plans and perioperative safety.

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Institution
Healthcare Nursing
Course
Healthcare nursing

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Post op and pre-op
alterations in psychological function post op - - anxiety and depression- radical surgery, poor
prognosis, changes in living

- confusion and delerium- medications, anesthetic, opioids, dehydration, infection, identify
factors that may cause



Alterations in temperature post op - up to 12 hours: hypothermia (36) due to anesthesia and
loss in surgical exposure

- 24-28 hours: elevation to 38 due to atelectasis or inflammatory response

- 3rd day: above 37.7- infection, phlebitis

- assess every 4 hours on first day and if everything is fine by day 2= morning and every shift
change

- meticulous asepsis for wound and IV

- encourage airway clearance

- investigate cause of fever - wound, urine, head to to, inform doctor, chest x-ray, cultures,
leukocyte level



Before leaving the room post-op - - call bell in reach

- emesis basin and tissue in reach

- ice chips + sips of water if allowed

- warm blankets and flannel sheets



Cardiovascular system Pre-op - - vitals recorded as a baseline

- bleeding/clotting times

- lab reports

- ECG, cardiac vital signs

- report problems for effective monitoring, use of cardiac drugs, presence of pacemaker,
myocardial infarction

,3 causes of DVT - 1- venous stasis- venous valves/muscles can't maintain upward push,
immobilization, elderly, heart failure, obesity, pregnancy, orthopaedic surgery

2- endothelial damage- inner lining of view caused by trauma or venipuncture, high BP, incision,
medication, IV, poking, IV abuse, femoral vie cath, trauma, inflammation

3- hypercoagulability- hematologic disorders and other circumstance, smoking, a-fib, meds,
dehydration, contraceptives, sepsis, severe anemia



Abdominal surgery considerations post op - - NPO until bowel sounds are present

- IV infusions to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance

- N/G tube may be used to decompress +suction

- resuming oral intake: 1- clear fluid 2-full fluid, 3- soft diet, 4- regular diet, 5- special diets



Accurate intake and output post op - - verify fluid balance from OR and PACU records- all fluids
throughout surgery and transfer to your record= more accurate

- always include estimated blood loss



Acute urinary retention post op - anesthesia depresses nervous system including micturition
reflex arc and higher enters that affect it = bladder fills more than normal before the urge is felt

- abdominal or pelvic surgery causes spasms, gaurding, and interferes with normal functioning

- bladder and prostate surgery= obstructed flow

- immobility and recumbent positions in bed = lack of skeletal muscle activity decreases smooth
muscle tone, supine = inability to relax perineal muscles and external sphincter



age related pre-op - - physiological condition, not just chronicle age

- paticularly alert for older clients: an event with little impact on younger has a big impact on
older (greater overall risks)

, Allergies - - drugs and non drugs

- latex



cardiovascular- fluid deficit - - inadequate fluid replacement= decreased cardiac output and
tissue perfusion

- hypovolemic shock



cardiovascular- fluid excess - - due to stress response and compensation for fluid loss during
surgery (RAAS)= fluid and sodium retention

- IV fluids too rapidly

- older patient, or chronic cardiac and renal disease



collaborative care plans - - interprofessional

- specific to surgery

- outlines expected course

- length of stay

- potential problems

- printed orders

- guidelines

- components of critical path- consults, teachings, tests, treatments, meds, diet, activity,
discharge planning, expected patient outcomes



consent for surgery - - surgeon is responsible to obtain (may appoint to the nurse to witness and
obtain)

- verify the client's understanding

- client's permission can be withdrawn at any time

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Institution
Healthcare nursing
Course
Healthcare nursing

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Uploaded on
June 30, 2025
Number of pages
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Written in
2024/2025
Type
Exam (elaborations)
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