Peri-Operative Nursing Review

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to Peri-Operative Nursing, focusing on the phases of surgical experience, anesthesia, patient care, and surgical procedures.

Perioperative

The three phases in the surgical experience: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative.

Postoperative Phase

Begins with admission into post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and ends with follow-up evaluation.

Intraoperative Phase

Begins when the client is transferred onto the OR table and ends with admission to PACU.

Preoperative Phase

Begins with a decision for surgery and ends when the client is transferred onto the OR table.

Anesthesia

Medications used to induce insensitivity to pain and loss of consciousness during surgery.

Malignant Hyperthermia

A rare inherited muscle disorder that can be triggered by anesthetic agents, leading to severe complications.

NPO

Nothing by mouth; typically a requirement prior to surgery to prevent complications.

Surgical Asepsis

Techniques used to maintain a sterile environment during surgical procedures to prevent infection.

Consent

Legal document indicating the patient has given informed permission for a surgical procedure.

Vital Signs

Measurements of the body’s basic functions (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature), critical during preoperative and postoperative assessments.