NSG101: The Surgical Client Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and terms related to surgical nursing pre-op and post-op care.

What must be done before a surgery can begin?

a Time-Out!

Main nursing goals during pre-op stage include:

• Assessment

• Screening for risk factors

• Prepping a surgical site

• Obtaining consent

• Establishing IV access

Factors increasing surgical risk:

• Age

• Nutrition

• Infections

• Smokers

Obtaining Informed Consent involves educating the patient on the ___, ___, and ___ of a surgical procedure

• Risks

• Benefits

• Alternatives

The ____ nurse assists the surgeon and remains sterile throughout the procedure

Scrub nurse

What does a Circulating Nurse do?

Manages activities outside of the sterile field

What are some elements of a Time-Out?

• Is the site marked?

• Does the patient have a known allergy?

• Is the pulse ox on the patient & functioning?

4 different types of sedation include:

• General

• Sedation

• Regional

• Local

Regional Sedation

Type of sedation that blocks sensation in a specific area of the body.

Local Sedation

Type of sedation that numbs a small area of the body while the patient remains awake.

Patients undergoing general anesthesia require:

NPO diet 6-8 hours before procedure

Goals of the post-op phase include:

• Waking up the patient safely

• Monitoring for surgical complications

• Pain management

• Education for a safe recovery

Common post-op complications include:

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Blood clots

• Ileus

Education for a post-op patient includes:

• When to come to the ER

• Incentive spirometer

• Pain medications

• Dietary & activity restrictions

• Wound/drain care

Swelling

A potential sign of a blood clot in post-operative patients:

Bloating

A symptom of ileus in post-operative patients.

Incentive Spirometer

A device used to help patients improve lung function post-surgery.

Dietary Restrictions

Guidelines given to patients about what they can eat after surgery.

Wound Care

Instructions around the management of surgical sites or drains post-operation.