WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RISKS OF THE POSTOPERATIVE PATIENT


Scenario: The image above is an example of a patient who had surgery 
and refuses to cooperate with breathing exercises. She is now beginning
to display the signs / symptoms of postoperative pneumonia.

What are some of the risks of the surgical patient?

 The surgical patient is at risk for: hypothermia, dehydration, postoperative 
pneumonia, DVT , paralytic ileus or a cardiac event.

                                      In the immediate postoperative period, a patient may develop
                       pneumonia if breathing exercises are neglected .The incentive
                       spirometer is used for this purpose.The plan of care is used to
                                    reflect what is needed to improve patient progress.                             

 
                       Abdominal assessment for paralytic ileus is also important.
                            This leads to abdominal distention and absent bowel sounds .

                          DVT ( deep vein thrombosis) can be avoided by encouraging
                         leg exercises, using TED hose or SCD device on the patient
confined to bed.



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