Nurse's Role in Surgery and Perioperative Care

This set of flashcards covers the roles and responsibilities of nurses in surgical contexts, including the phases of perioperative care, classifications of surgery, preoperative preparations, and key concepts associated with patient safety and recovery.

What are the key responsibilities of a nurse in surgery?

Provide evidence-based perioperative care, advocate for client safety, collaborate with the surgical team, and individualize the plan of care for each client.

What is the focus of perioperative nursing?

To ensure safe surgical outcomes by applying evidence-based practices and providing care across perioperative phases.

What are the three phases of the perioperative period?

Preoperative, Intraoperative, and Postoperative.

What is the goal of the perioperative period?

To achieve safe and successful client outcomes.

How is surgery classified by purpose?

Surgery can be classified as diagnostic, ablative, palliative, constructive/reconstructive, transplant, or cosmetic.

What distinguishes major surgery from minor surgery?

Major surgery is high risk and complex, while minor surgery has minimal risk and involves limited changes.

What are the classifications of surgery by urgency?

Emergent, urgent, expedited, and elective.

What does the ASA Physical Status Classification measure?

It assesses surgical risk based on the patient's health status, from ASA I (healthy) to ASA VI (brain-dead organ donor).

What are some risk factors for surgical complications?

Smoking history, age 65 years and older, poor nutritional status, alcohol use disorder, and uncontrolled chronic illness.

What is included in the preoperative phase?

Assessment and preparation, which includes education and informed consent, and planning individualized care.

What is informed consent in the context of surgery?

A process that requires a thorough explanation of the procedure, risks, and benefits before obtaining consent for non-emergency surgeries.

What is the purpose of a surgical safety checklist?

To document preoperative activities, ensure correct patient and procedure, support surgical team communication, and improve patient safety.

What preparations are made for the client before surgery?

Health history, baseline vital signs, skin preparation, medication review, NPO instructions, and removal of jewelry and prosthetics.

What are age-related surgical risks for older adults?

Increased complication risk, delayed wound healing, decreased immune response, the influence of chronic disease on outcomes, and physiological system changes.

What does preoperative diagnostic screening generally include?

Laboratory tests, radiology exams, and cardiac testing if indicated to provide baseline data and help predict complications.

What occurs during the intraoperative phase?

It begins when the client enters the operating room and ends when they are transferred to recovery, involving maintenance of a sterile environment and monitoring for complications.

What are the types of anesthesia used in surgical procedures?

General anesthesia (loss of consciousness), regional anesthesia (loss of sensation in a specific area), local anesthesia (numbs a small area), and varying levels of sedation.

What is the focus of the postoperative phase?

Monitoring airway and vital signs, managing pain, watching for complications, and promoting recovery.

What does Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) emphasize?

Early mobility, early nutrition, effective pain control, prevention of nausea and vomiting, early discontinuation of IV fluids, and discharge planning starting preoperatively.