| A | B |
|---|
| This type of medication should not be stopped abruptly and may delay wound healing, can alter fluid and electrolyte balance, and affects several metabolic functions in the body | Corticosteroids (steroids) |
| Hemoglobin level below 10 | Surgery will probably be postponed |
| Chest x-ray and EKG | Usually ordered pre-op for patients over 40 years of age |
| Cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory systems | Surgery usually puts a strain on these systems |
| Anxiety related to the surgical experience and outcome; Fear related to risk for death, effects of impending surgery, or loss of control due to anesthesia; Grieving related to impending loss of a body function or body part; Deficient knowledge related to preop and postop routines; Insomnia related to stress or unfamiliar environment; Ineffective coping related to lack of problem-solving skills, or adequate support; Ineffective role performance related to inability to care for children during hospitalization or perform job duties | Examples of common nursing diagnoses for the surgicdal patient |
| Length of time most patients will be NPO prior to surgery | 6-8 hours |
| Reason for NPO status | To prevent nausea, vomiting, and aspiration |
| Enemas or GoLYTELY, or even a soft or liquid diet for several days prior to surgery may be ordered for this | Someone having abdominal or colon surgery |
| When will an NG tube typically be removed postoperatively? | When bowel sounds return and nausea has passed. |
| Non-pharmacologic treatment of fear and anxiety | Sit and listen to the patient-answer questions honestly |
| Used to track pain level | 0-10 pain scale |
| Patient is told to ask for pain med before what? | Before the pain gets too bad so it will be easier to control |
| Pre-op skin preparation in some instances | Shower with antibacterial soap and possibly shaving the area |
| What to be done with anything that can come off (i.e. make-up, jewelry, hearing aid, dentures, hair piece, etc) | Remove prior to surgery |
| Reason nail polish is removed | To obtain an accurate pulse ox and check nailbed for cyanosis |
| Most important exercise to teach to prevent respiratory and circulatory problems post op | Turn, cough, and deep breathe (T,C, and DB) |
| How often should coughing and deep breathing be performed? | Every 2 hours for at least 3-7 days post-op after general anesthesia |
| How often should an IS (Incentive Spirometer) be done? | Every hour during the first 3 post-op days |
| Reason jewelry must be removed | To prevent electricity conduction through metal during surgery |
| You should do this with credit cards, money, or any other valuables belonging to the patient. | Give them to a significant other or have security lock them up until after surgery |
| Types of meds that can be ordered pre-op | Sedatives, antihistamine-antiemetics (to help prevent nausea), anticholinergics (to decrease secretions), tranquilizers, and narcotics |
| Do these things prior to giving pre-op meds | Have the patient empty bladder and attend to any other personal needs that require that they get out of bed; have patient sign consent |
