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What roles do circulating nurses play in the intraoperative phase?
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They manage the overall nursing care in the surgical room and help maintain a sterile field.
What are some non-pharmacologic methods for pain management in postoperative care?
Heat/cold application and non-pharmacologic methods such as relaxation techniques and physical therapy.
What is the significance of potassium levels in postoperative alerts and critical values?
Potassium levels are critical for heart function and must be monitored to prevent arrhythmias and other complications.
Explain the SBAR communication protocol.
SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation. It is a protocol for sharing critical information.
How is the Modified Aldrete Score used in postoperative care?
It assesses a patient's readiness for discharge from the PACU based on activity, breathing, circulation, consciousness, and oxygen saturation.
What signs of wound complications should be monitored in postoperative care?
Signs of infection, drainage types (e.g., sanguineous, serosanguinous), dehiscence, and evisceration.
What is the Surgical Care Improvement Project?
An initiative aimed at promoting patient safety and improving surgical outcomes.
What is the role of psychosocial and family support in perioperative care?
Recognizing and reducing anxiety in patients and family members, and involving family in education and support.
What is the focus of immediate postoperative care (Phase I)?
The focus is on Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABCs), and pain control.
What are some specific preoperative procedures to ensure patient safety?
General health assessment, medical history, checking for allergies, blood donation consent, and baseline tests.
What are the primary goals of discharge planning after surgery?
Drug reconciliation, diet instructions, follow-up appointments, ensuring safety and support at home, or transferring to appropriate care facilities.
What are the key nursing diagnoses and interrelated concepts in perioperative care?
Gas Exchange, Pain Management, Infection Control, Tissue Integrity
What are the three types of surgeries in perioperative care?
Diagnostic, Curative, Palliative
Describe the main activities in the preoperative phase of perioperative nursing care.
Scanning, IV starts, compliance with prep, informed consent
What is the purpose of a surgical safety checklist?
To ensure all safety protocols are followed, including timeouts before procedures.
What are the National Patient Safety Goals and who develops them?
They are guidelines to promote patient safety, developed by the Joint Commission.
What are the key aspects monitored in the PACU during the postoperative phase?
Monitoring recovery, determining discharge plans, focusing on Airway, Breathing, and Circulation (ABCs)
How can early ambulation and DVT prevention be managed postoperatively?
Through early ambulation, physical therapy, anti-embolic stockings, and pneumatic compression devices.
Who is responsible for obtaining informed consent and what role do nurses play?
The provider performing the procedure is responsible. Nurses verify that the patient has signed and understands the procedure.
Why is the NPO status important in the preoperative phase?
NPO (nothing by mouth) prevents aspiration and complications during surgery.
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