Preoperative Nursing Management Practice Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the phases of perioperative nursing, surgical classifications, patient safety goals, and preoperative assessment protocols.

Minimally invasive surgery

Procedures that use specialized instruments inserted into the body either through natural orifices or through small incisions.

Postanesthesia care unit (PACU)

The hospital area where a patient is taken for a recovery period immediately following surgery.

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.

Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)

The professional organization, formerly known as the Association of Operating Room Nurses, that provides recommended practice standards for perioperative nursing.

Robotic surgery

A surgical approach offering precise accuracy for dissecting and suturing, better range of motion, and three-dimensional visual feedback.

Palliative surgery

Surgery performed to relieve pain or correct a problem, such as debulking a tumor to achieve comfort, rather than providing a cure.

Rehabilitative surgery

Surgery, such as a total joint replacement, intended to correct crippling pain or the progression of degenerative osteoarthritis.

Preadmission testing (PAT)

Diagnostic testing and preoperative preparation conducted prior to admission to facilitate nursing assessment and container costs.

Medication reconciliation

A critical component of the patient interview involving a thorough review of home medications and supplements to prevent harm.

Bariatrics

A medical specialty that revolves around diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with obesity.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

A condition characterized by apnea and hypopnea events during sleep; it is estimated that $70\%$ of elective surgical patients have yet to be diagnosed with it.

STOP-Bang

An assessment tool for OSA that screens for Snoring, Tired, Observed, Pressure, BMI, Age, Neck, and Gender.

Informed consent

The patient’s autonomous, voluntary, and written decision to undergo a surgical procedure after being informed of benefits, risks, and alternatives.

Atelectasis

The collapse of the alveoli, which may occur if a patient does not cough effectively postoperatively.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE)

A surgical complication that National Patient Safety Goals aim to prevent through preoperative prescriptions and performance measures.

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)

A method of pain management where the patient controls the administration of analgesic agents.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)

A protocol associated with decreased length of stay and accelerated recovery, often involving preoperative carbohydrate loading.

Hypothermia

A condition where core temperature decreases to $34^{\circ}C$ ($88^{\circ}F$), which can develop within the first hour of surgery due to anesthesia induction.

Splinting

The technique of placing the palms of the hands together and interlacing fingers across an incision site to minimize pressure and control pain during coughing.

NPO (nil per os)

A status of 'nothing by mouth' confirmed preoperatively to prevent the risk of aspiration.