Preoperative Nursing Care and Postoperative Nursing Care Lecture

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of nursing care, including roles, risks, and safety guidelines.

Perioperative nursing care

The full scope of nursing care that occurs before, during, and after a surgical procedure.

Ambulatory surgery

Also known as outpatient surgery, where the patient undergoes a procedure and is discharged to go home within the same day.

Inpatient surgery

A surgery where the patient is required to stay in the hospital for a period of time following the procedure.

Informed consent

The process of ensuring a patient is educated on the risks and benefits of surgery; the nurse acts as a witness while the surgeon provides the explanation.

Preoperative phase

The period of nursing care that begins when a patient is scheduled for surgery and ends when the patient is transferred to the surgical suites.

NPO

A dietary restriction (typically starting at midnight) where the patient takes nothing by mouth to prevent the risk of aspiration during surgery.

Reglan

A preoperative medication administered intravenously to help decrease nausea and the risk of vomiting.

Hiboklens

A liquid form of $CHG$ (chlorhexidine gluconate) used for a shower or skin preparation to reduce the risk of infection before surgery.

Methlex

A spongy Band-Aid applied to areas like the coccyx to help decrease the risk of skin breakdown during long surgeries, such as those lasting $12\,hours$.

Circulating nurse

A non-sterile nurse in the $OR$ who serves as the main patient advocate, facilitates communication, and ensures a clean, organized environment.

Scrub nurse

A sterile nurse who sets up equipment, hands instruments to the surgeon, and is responsible for counting instruments and supplies used during surgery.

Clinical lead

A professional who ensures all surgical procedures adhere to high quality and safety standards and oversees the sterile environment of the surgeries.

PACU

The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit where patients receive immediate postoperative recovery ($Phase\,1$) and monitoring of vital signs every $5\,minutes$.

ACLS training

Advanced Cardiac Life Support training required for $PACU$ nurses to manage patients whose condition may deteriorate quickly after surgery.

Atelectasis

A partial or focal collapse of the lung that occurs when alveoli collapse; it is managed postoperatively through deep breathing exercises and movement.

Malignant hyperthermia

A specific, life-threatening type of hyperthermia caused by a reaction to anesthesia that requires a specialized medication cart for treatment.

SCDs

Sequential Compression Devices used postoperatively to pump blood flow in the legs and prevent clotting ($VTE$) while a patient is bedridden.

Incentive barometer

A device (also referred to as an incentive spirometer) used postoperatively to help patients keep their lungs and alveoli open.

Phase 2

The ambulatory surgery phase where the patient is more stable and no longer requires the intensive monitoring of the $PACU$.

Narcan

A medication that may be sent home with patients who are prescribed narcotics for pain management to used in case of accidental overdose.