Surgery/Post-op/Pre-op Flashcards

Malignant Hyperthermia

A genetic, life-threatening complication of anesthesia.

S/S- Tachypnea, tachycardia, unstable blood pressure, cyanosis, skin modeling, muscle rigidity

Wound Evisceration

Protrusion of internal organs and tissues through an incision.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

A condition causing breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep, increasing the risk of apnea and oxygen desaturation during surgical procedures.

Silvadene Cream

A medication used to prevent or treat wound infections in burns, with antimicrobial properties.

Perioperative Nursing

Nursing activities conducted by an RN before, during, and after surgery.

Pneumonia

A common post-op complication caused by poor lung expansion and retained pulmonary secretions.

S/S- include fever, chills, productive cough, chest pain, purulent mucus, and dyspnea.

Sensory Preparation

This is an important thing to discuss with patients in the pre-operative phase. It is important to discuss sensations that are typically experienced after surgery. (Ex. OR is bright and cold)

Pre-op Teaching

This is an important part of nursing care before surgery. It includes discussing with the patient what tests they’ll have prior to surgery, when/what they’ll be able to eat before and after surgery, reasons for delays in surgery, pain management options, and sensations typically experienced after surgery.

Priorities

The highest priority for the first 24 hours after surgery includes maintaining respiratory, cardiovascular, and neuro status, along with wound management and pain control.

Paralytic Ileus

Loss of intestinal function, often indicated by abdominal distention and discomfort.

Smoking

If a pt has a history of smoking, it is important to plan for aggressive pulmonary hygiene after surgery- including frequent turning, deep breathing and coughing, and frequent incentive spirometer use.

Nausea/Vomiting

This post-op condition affects approximately 30% of patients in the PACU and can lead to pulmonary aspiration, dehydration, and arrhythmias resulting from fluid/electrolyte imbalances.

Wound Dehiscence

Separation of wound edges at the suture line due to unusual strain or other contributing factors (Malnutrition, obesity, old age, and poor circulation)

Assessment

Depending on the patient's condition, the RN completes an assessment at least every 15 minutes in the PACU or more frequently

Glucose Control

An important factor in pre-op patients that, if poorly controlled, increases risks for adverse outcomes, including wound infection, circulatory impairment, hyperglycemia, and mortality increase.

Patient

The individual with whom nurses discuss expectations of surgery and expected recovery time.

Ambulatory Surgery

With this type of surgery, the patient's family or caregiver is responsible for the post-op care and should be included in education on the surgery and post-op care

Elderly

This portion of the population is more likely to have surgical complications due to multiple physiological factors, including increased skin fragility, degenerative changes in the myocardium and heart valves, decreased respiratory muscle strength, decreased renal function, sensory losses, lower hemoglobin levels, and decreased reaction time.

Chronic Respiratory Disease

Conditions like emphysema, bronchitis, and asthma that may cause surgical complications, including reduced respiratory function and severe hypoventilation.

Informed Consent

Required documentation before surgery, to be obtained by the surgeon, except in emergencies.

Bowel Prep

Preparation involving enemas and/or laxatives for surgery involving the lower GI tract.

Cardiovascular

In the immediate post-op period, patients are at risk for developing complications with this body system due to blood loss, anesthesia, and electrolyte imbalances.

Self-Concept

A positive self-concept can help patients adapt better to the stress of surgery.

Venous Thromboembolism/DVT

A preventable condition after total hip or knee surgery, often linked to inadequate precautions. It can be prevented via IPC/SCD cuffs, compression stockings, early ambulation, anticoagulants, adequate hydration, and leg exercises.

S/S- Calf pain, swelling, redness, warm, tender

Obesity

A risk factor for surgical complications including atelectasis, pneumonia, and poor wound healing.

Classification of Surgery

1. This can be based on a surgical procedure:

   1. Seriousness (major or minor surgery)

   2. Urgency (elective, urgent, or emergent)

   3. Purpose (diagnostic, palliative, reconstructive, transplant, cosmetic, ablative (removal of tissue))

Alcohol Abuse

A history of this can lead to unpredictable reactions to anesthesia during surgery.

Operating Room

1. After surgery, the nurse that will be caring for the patient in the PACU should get report from the nurse in the OR.

2. Estimated blood loss (EBL), types of anesthesia, meds received, vitals, IVF (IV fluids), Urine loss, surgical wound information.

Hemorrhage

Rapid loss of a large amount of blood during or after surgery, potentially leading to serious complications.

S/S include hypotension, weak and rapid pulse, cool and clammy skin, rapid breathing, restlessness, and reduced urine output. Patients with coagulation disorders are at an increased risk.

Diagnostic Screening

Testing needed before surgery for patients with pre-existing conditions to minimize complication risks.

Cough/Deep Breathe

Important nursing interventions for most post-op patients, however, they may be contraindicated in post-op pts who had brain, spinal, head, neck, or eye surgery.

Occupation

A relevant discussion with the patient before surgery, as surgery can impact their ability to return to work.

Urgent

A surgical classification where the procedure is necessary for health but not an emergency.

Tachypnea

Rapid breathing, often a sign of complications during anesthesia.

Tachycardia

Increased heart rate, which may indicate distress during the surgical process.

Cyanosis

Bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor oxygenation, often a sign of serious complications.

Muscle Rigidity

A condition that may occur during malignant hyperthermia, causing stiffness.

Skin Modeling

Alteration of skin appearance, potentially indicating circulation issues.