Perioperative Care Nursing Practice-Adult Health I

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to perioperative care nursing practices.

Perioperative

This term refers to the phases of surgery: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative.

Preoperative phase

The phase that begins when a decision for surgery is made and ends when the patient is transferred to the operating room.

Intraoperative phase

This phase begins when the patient enters the operating room and ends when they are admitted to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

Postoperative phase

The phase that begins when the patient leaves the operating room and ends when they are recovered from anesthesia.

Informed consent

A legal process where the patient states they understand and agree to the procedure being performed.

SCIP

Surgical Care Improvement Project, which includes protocols for assessing and minimizing surgical risks.

Anticoagulants

Medications that prevent blood clotting and need careful assessment during the preoperative period.

Corticosteroids

A type of medication that can impair wound healing and affect the body’s response to surgery.

Evisceration

The protrusion of internal organs through a surgical incision.

Dehiscence

A surgical complication where a wound opens up, leading to potential risk of infection.

Hypothermia

A condition of abnormally low body temperature, which is a risk factor during surgery.

Teach-Back technique

A method used in patient education to confirm understanding by having patients explain back the information provided.

Moderate Sedation

A level of sedation that allows the patient to maintain a patent airway and respond to verbal commands while decreasing sensory perception.

Malignant hyperthermia

A genetic disorder causing a severe reaction to certain anesthesia drugs, leading to elevated body temperature and other serious complications.

IV site

An intravenous access point that must be established prior to surgery for medication administration.

NPO

A medical instruction meaning 'nothing by mouth,' usually required 6 to 8 hours before surgery to reduce aspiration risk.

VTE prevention

Measures taken to prevent venous thromboembolism, a risk associated with surgery.

Patient education

The information provided to patients before surgery to ensure they understand the procedures and care they will receive.