Chapter 14: Preoperative Nursing Management

Flashcards covering the phases of perioperative nursing, surgical classifications, preoperative assessments, and patient safety protocols based on Chapter 14.

Preoperative phase

The period beginning when the decision to proceed with surgical intervention is made and ending with the transfer of the patient onto the operating room (OR) bed.

Intraoperative phase

The period beginning when the patient is transferred onto the OR bed and ending with admission to the PACU.

Postoperative phase

The period beginning with the admission of the patient to the PACU and ending with a follow-up evaluation in the clinical setting or home.

PACU

Postanesthesia care unit.

Preadmission Testing

The process that initiates the nursing assessment, verifies completion of diagnostic testing, and begins discharge planning by assessing postoperative needs.

Diuretics (Preoperative Risk)

A medication classification that must be assessed because it may cause an electrolyte imbalance during surgery, resulting in excessive respiratory depression.

Corticosteroids (Preoperative Risk)

Medications that can cause cardiovascular collapse if discontinued suddenly before surgery.

Phenothiazines (Preoperative Risk)

Medications that may increase the hypotensive action of anesthetics.

Surgical Urgency Classifications

A system of categorizing surgery based on the degree of urgency involved: emergent, urgent, required, elective, and optional.

Informed Consent

A legal mandate in writing for nonemergent surgery where the surgeon explains risks and benefits; it is only valid if signed before the administration of psychoactive premedication.

Nurse's Role in Informed Consent

Clarifying information provided by the surgeon and witnessing the patient's signature.

Gerontologic Temperature Susceptibility

A condition in older adults caused by decreased subcutaneous fat, making them more susceptible to temperature changes during surgery.

Preoperative Patient Education

Instructional topics including deep breathing, coughing, incentive spirometry, mobility, pain management, and cognitive coping strategies.

Preoperative Voiding

An intervention performed before administering sedative or amnesic premedication to ensure patient safety and prevent falls or injury.

Evidence-based hair removal

The practice of clipping hair rather than shaving to prepare the skin for surgery.

Insulin (Anesthetic Interaction)

A medication that must be carefully managed when a patient with diabetes mellitus undergoes surgery due to interactions with anesthetics.