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.



The surgical patient is at risk for infection, related to
  surgical intervention.
- Paralytic ileus may occur .
- Hypothermia due to fluid loss and bodily exposure
  during surgery. Hypothermia increases the body's need
  for oxygen and possibly may lead to a cardiac event.
 Warming measures are necessary.









 





















 
















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

                       

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

CHEST PAIN ASSESSMENT AND EKG - QUIZ QUESTIONS

Image
                       Chest pain assessment Chest pain is a very common complaint . It may occur anywhere and anytime, even at rest. It may be related to stress or actual damage to the heart. A patient having a heart attack , may very readily complain of chest pain. Helpful hints : If the patient in your care is complaining of chest pain,   immediate action should be taken to assess the pain. Chest pain may be sharp, severe and stabbing. It may also feel like pressure in the chest or  Like a pair of hands squeezing the chest.  It is important to do a pain assessment on a scale of 1-10 and document results. It is also of note to ask the patient to describe the character  and duration of the pain. Always remember to document all interventions. Follow your Institution's policies, procedures and MD orders for chest pain. Do you know your heart Simple EKG interpretation: The EKG (Electrocardiogram) is a noninv...
Read more

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK - QUIZ QUESTIONS

Image
Myocardial infarction A heart attack is the layman's term for a (MI) myocardial infarction.      It is caused by  a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. A blood clot or plaque, may obstruct the flow of blood. This typically occurs in the    patient with CAD (   coronary artery disease) .  Symptoms include:             chest pain which may radiate to the shoulder and jaw, pressure or                          tightness in the chest, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath.   Cardiogenic shock The left ventricle  receives  its blood supply from the LAD ( left anterior descending) artery. If the flow of blood to the left ventricle is obstructed by a clot or plaque, part  of the  heart muscle  may die. This lack of blood flow to the left ventricle causes pump             ...
Read more

CARE PLANNING / IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION IN ADPIE

Image
  The Nursing Process A nurse who is new to the clinical settin g, knows all too well it is a challenge. Typically, a combination of learning in the classroom and a clinical area is done. However, feeling confident  and demonstrating competence takes time and practice. Assessment and Diagnosis are discussed here . ADPIE and its application in the clinical setting. The five steps of ADPIE. A- assessment D- diagnosis P- planning I - mplementation E- evaluation PLANNING ( IN ADPIE ) Mrs. G was admitted to the hospital with complaints of headaches, visual disturbances and occasional unsteady gait. This has been going on for about two weeks.  Her  family members decided to seek medical advice. The doctor has examined her and ordered a CT scan of the head. The nurse who is responsible for her care, begins to work on the care plan . She will identify the problems based on the diagnosis. Other staff members will also assist in the process. IMPLEMENTATION ( IN ADPIE) The nu...
Read more