POSTOPERATIVE CARE AND POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS


                       The image above is an example of what happens to a patient
                      in the postoperative period, following surgical intervention.
                Measures should always be taken to avoid postoperative
complications. 
                        
                      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.

                      
For more helpful topics, click on the links below:
 The New Nurse and Care Plan
Medical abbreviations
            Learning for the layperson

                       

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