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Postop Care

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Question
Answer
postoperative period   begins immediately after surgery and continues until the patient is discharged from medical care  
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How a patient moves through the phases of care in PACU is determined by   the patient's condition  
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If a patient is stable and recovering well, they may progress through the PACU phases rapidly. This is refered to as   (RPP) rapid postanesthesia care unit progression; can occur with either in- or outpatients  
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fast-tracking reduces overall costs, recovery time, and medical morbidity. How is this done?   involves admitting ambulatory surgery patients who have received general, regional, or local anesthesia directly to phase II care  
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PACU Phase I (Initial Assessment)   begins with evaluation of the ABC status; identify signs of inadequate oxygenation and ventilation  
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greatest value of pulse oximetry monitoring   provides an early warning of hypoxemia and changes in arterial blood gases  
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PACU priority care includes monitoring and managing   respiratory and circulatory function, pain, temperature, and the surgical site  
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protocol for deviations in ECG results from preoperative findings include   measuring and comparing BP to baseline (invasive monitoring is initiated only if needed); assess body temp, capillary refill, and skin condition (color, moisture)  
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initial PACU neurologic assessment focuses on   level of consciousness, orientation, sensory and motor status, and size, equality, and reactivity of pupils  
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initial PACU urinary system assessment focuses on   intake (intraoperative fluid totals), output, and fluid balance; note IV lines, irrigation solutions & infusions; wound drains and catheters  
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initial PACU surgical site (wound) assessment focuses on   the condition of any dressings and the type and amount of any drainage  
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the goal of PACU care   identify actual and potential patient problems that may occur as a result of anesthetic admin and surgical intervention, and to intervene appropriately.  
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the primary postop problem (most common cause of postop hypoxia)   atelectasis (bronchial obstruction caused by retained secretions or decrease lung volumes); alveolar collapse  
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patient manifestations of atelectasis   decrease breath sounds; decrease or low O2 saturation  
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atelectasis interventions   humidified O2, deep breathing, incentive spirometry, and early mobilization  
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pulmonary embolism, a major postop complication, is caused by   a thrombus dislodging from the peripheral venous system; lodges in pulmonary arterial system  
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pulmonary embolism patient manifestations   acute tachypnea, dyspnea, tachycardia, hypotension, bronchospasm, and decrease O2 sat  
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pulmonary embolism interventions   O2 therapy, cardiopulmonary support, anticoagulant therapy  
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hypoxemia, specifically a PaO2 <60 mmHg is characterized by   agitation to somnolence, hypo- to hypertension, tachy- to bradycardia; ABG analysis should be used to confirm hypoxia if pulse oximetry is <92%  
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other causes of hypoxemia   bronchospasm, hypoventilation, pulmonary edema, aspiration (gastric contents)  
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positioning of the unconscious patient   lateral "recovery" (side lying); keeps an open airway and reduces the risk of aspiration if vomiting occurs  
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positioning of the conscious patient   supine with head of the bed raised; maximizes expansion of the thorax by decreasing the pressure of the abdominal contents on the diaphragm  
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emergence delirium (waking up wild)   postop neurologic alteration that causes most concern; if occurs, suspect hypoxia first  
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causes of emergence delirium   anesthetic agents, hypoxia, bladder distention, pain, residual neuromuscular blockade, presence of an endotracheal tube  
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changing a patient's position every 1 to 2 hours allows for   full chest expansion and increases perfusion of both lungs  
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deep breathing and coughing aid in   gas exchange to promote the retun to consciousness, help prevent atelectasis, and move respiratory secretions to larger passages for expectoration  
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most common cardiovascular PACU problems   hypo- and hypertension, dysrhythmias  
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postop fluid and electrolyte imbalances contribute to cardiovascular problems. These imbalances develop as a result of   the body's normal response to stress, excessive fluid losses, and improper IV fluid replacement  
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postop congnitive dysfunction (POCD)   a decline in the patient's cognitive function for weeks or months after surgery; almost exclusively seen in the older patient  
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deep visceral pain results from pressure in the internal viscera and may signal   the presence of complications such as intestinal distention, bleeding , or abscess formation  
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causes of postop hypothermia (temp <95 degrees F), up to 12 hrs after surgery   effects of anesthesia, body heat loss during surgical procedure  
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causes of postop mild elevation of temp (up to 100.4) the first 48 hrs or days 1 & 2   inflammatory response to surgical stress  
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causes of postop moderate elevation of temp (above 100.4 degrees F) the first 48 hrs or days 1 & 2   lung congestion, atelectasis, dehydration  
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causes of postop elevation of temp (above 100 degrees F) after the first 48 hrs or day 3 and later   infection (ex. wound, UTI, respiratory, etc)  
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stress related hormones such as cortisol have catabolic effects on the body, releasing amino acids. This helps with   wound healing  
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evidence of wound infections usually manifest after the 3rd to 5th day. Local and systemic manifestations include   Local: redness, swelling, increased pain and tenderness at the site; Systemic: fever and leukocytosis  
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expected urine output from a catheter   clear, yellow in color; odor of ammonia; watery consistency; 800-1500 ml first 24hrs (minimal expected output is 0.5 ml/kg/hr)  
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expected gastric contents drainage from nasogastric tube/gastrostomy tube   up to 1500 ml/day; sour odor; watery consistency; pale, yellow green, bloody following gastrointestinal surgery  
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expected drainage of bile from a t-tube   500 ml; bright yellow to dark green in color; acid odor; thick consistency  
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expected wound drainage from a hemovac   odor same as the wound dressing; consistency varies; amount varies w/ procedure but may decrease over hrs to days; color varies with procedure(sanguineous or serosanguinous, changing to serous)  
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wound dehiscence   separation and disruption of previously joined wound edges; may be preceded by a sudden discharge of brown, pink, or clear drainage  
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