medsurg quiz

Elective Surgery

Planned in advance, not essential for survival; improves quality of life.

Urgent Surgery

Needed within 24–48 hours to prevent health deterioration.

Emergency Surgery

Immediate intervention needed to save life or limb.

Informed Consent

A legal document obtained before sedation that explains the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Preoperative Checklist

A list of items to confirm before surgery, including ID band, allergies, NPO status, and vital signs.

Hemostasis phase

The immediate stage of wound healing where a blood clot forms to stop bleeding.

Inflammatory Phase

The stage of wound healing (1–3 days) where white blood cells are sent to prevent infection.

Proliferative Phase

The wound healing stage (3–21 days) where new tissue and blood vessels form.

Maturation/Remodeling Phase

The final stage of wound healing, lasting up to 1 year, where scar tissue strengthens.

Dehiscence

Wound edges separate, usually due to strain or infection.

Evisceration

Protrusion of organs through a wound opening, requiring immediate emergency care.

Platelets

Blood cells critical for clotting ability and bleeding risk assessment before surgery.

Hemoglobin

A blood component that is less critical to check before surgery unless at critically low levels.

Older Adult Surgical Patient Risks

Higher risk for complications due to slower healing, weakened immune system, and comorbidities.

Postoperative Discharge Information

Includes care for incisions, medications, signs of complications, and activity restrictions.

Initial Nursing Assessment After PACU Transfer

Assess airway, vital signs, consciousness, pain level, wound, IV fluids, and urine output.

Dry Dressing

A sterile gauze applied directly to a clean wound, secured with tape or bandage.

Wet-to-Dry Dressing

Gauze soaked in saline placed in a wound, dried, and then removed to debride dead tissue.

Confusion/Delirium Risk

Increased risk in older adults post-op, especially with anesthesia.

Skin Fragility Consideration

Older adults have fragile skin; care is needed during positioning and dressing changes.

NPO Status

No food or drink allowed before surgery, confirmed in preoperative checklist.

Monitoring Oxygen Levels

Ensuring airway patency and oxygenation in the initial assessment after surgery.

Pain Level Assessment

Evaluating and addressing pain as part of initial nursing assessment.

Jewelry Removal Preoperatively

Part of preoperative procedure to prevent complications during surgery.

Emergency Medication Administration

Preoperative medications given as ordered before surgery.

Comorbidities

Pre-existing conditions like diabetes and heart disease that can affect surgical outcomes.

Signs of Infection

Patients should be educated on how to recognize symptoms of infection post-surgery.

Activity Restrictions Post-Surgery

Guidelines on what patients can or cannot do after undergoing surgery.

Follow-up Appointments

Scheduled check-ups after surgery to monitor recovery and healing.

Covering Dehiscence

Using a moist sterile dressing and notifying the surgeon in case of wound separation.

Saline-soaked Dressing for Evisceration

An emergency measure to cover protruding organs until surgical help arrives.

Confusion Post-Anesthesia

A common risk in older adults following surgery, necessitating careful monitoring.

Vital Signs Monitoring Frequency

Conducted every 15 minutes initially after PACU transfer.

Skin Care in Older Adults

Special consideration needed for the fragile skin of older adult patients post-surgery.