Question

1. Mrs. A, a 78 y/o Hispanic female had emergent surgical intervention and is being transferred to the PACU.
   a) List some of the responsibilities of the post-anesthesia care nurse in the prevention of immediate postoperative complications?
   b) What are some key assessment parameters to consider for the early detection of postoperative complications?
2. 
   The nurse is developing a plan of care for a postoperative patient who has undergone general anesthesia and thus at risk for ineffective breathing.
   a) What are key nursing measures to prevent complications in this patient?
3. 
   A potential complication of a postoperative patient is thrombophlebitis.
   a) What are common ways to prevent this complication from occurring?

Answer 1

a)Post operative care nurse responsibilities - they care for patients who have undergone anesthesia ,they are responsible for treating patient who have undergone surgery and making sure they wakeup from anesthesia

They should test the vital signs and levels of consciousness so that patient is regaining consciousness

Some patients may experience the side effects such as pain , agitation , difficulty in breathing

A good PACU nurse provide comfort and reassurance to patients and Familymembers which is formost important

Nurse should patiently answer the questions and share the important medical information

b) assessment to prevent post operative care -

Assessment of patient airway potency , vital signs , level of consciousness are important priories after admision into postoperative unit care

Surgical site - intact dressing no signs of bleeding from the surgical site

Proper opening of drainage or tubes

Body temperature

Rate of intravenous fluids

Circulation and sensation in extremities

Level of sensation after anesthesia

Pain , nausea , vomiting

A) check airway as it may cause respiratory depression

Aspiration pnuemonitis  

Hypothermia - monitor the temperature

Monitor blood pressure and heart beat as general anaesthesia may cause cardiovascular collapse

Embolism  

B) thrombophlebitis - it is defined as inflammation of vien due to blood clot

Is caused due to inactivity after surgery  

U can prevent it from standing, stretching , movement which improves circulation and prevent sticking of cells

It can be minimised by three ways that are reducing local vien injury, reduce the factor such as the slow venous blood flow , minimize alterations in coagulability of blood

They can be treated by stockings , applying heat , keeping limb elevated , anti-inflammatory medcations