Perioperative Care Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to perioperative care, including definitions and important considerations for nursing roles before, during, and after surgical procedures.

Elective Surgery

A surgical procedure that is planned in advance and is not an emergency.

Unexpected Surgery

A surgical procedure that requires immediate intervention due to unforeseen circumstances.

Informed Consent

A legal document confirming that a patient understands and agrees to the proposed surgery and its associated risks.

Baseline Data

Information established before a medical procedure to assess changes in the patient's condition post-operation.

Preoperative Care

Care provided before surgery, including assessing patient history and preparing them mentally and physically.

Postoperative Care

Care provided after surgery, focusing on recovery through monitoring and managing complications.

Cultural Considerations

Acknowledgment and respect for a patient's cultural beliefs and practices, particularly related to healthcare.

Anticoagulants

Medications that prevent blood coagulation to reduce the risk of blood clots during surgery.

Malignant Hyperthermia

A rare but severe reaction to certain anesthetic agents that causes a rapid increase in body temperature.

Emergency Drugs

Medications that must be readily available in case of unexpected serious medical events during or after surgery.

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

A specialized unit that provides intensive monitoring and care of patients recovering from anesthesia.

Emergence Delirium

A state of agitated confusion that can occur as a patient wakes from anesthesia.

Pain Management

Strategies and medications used to alleviate pain post-surgery, essential for recovery.

Complications

Unexpected problems that arise during or after surgery, which may affect recovery.

Patient Education

Informing patients and caregivers about surgical procedures, pain management, and post-operative care.

Surgical Time Out

A safety protocol performed before procedure start that involves verifying patient identity and surgical details.

Psychosocial Stressors

Mental health factors that can significantly impact a patient's recovery and response to surgery.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Clinical conditions such as hypertension and arrhythmia that may increase complications during surgery.

Nutritional Assessment

Evaluation of a patient's dietary habits and any deficiencies that could affect surgical outcomes and healing.

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV)

Common complications following surgery, often caused by anesthesia or postoperative medications.

Urinary Complications

Issues related to voiding that can arise post-surgery, requiring close monitoring and management.

Wound Assessment

Evaluating surgical sites for signs of infection and monitoring the type and amount of drainage.

Discharge Instructions

Guidelines provided to patients before leaving healthcare facilities regarding care and follow-up after surgery.