INTRODUCTION Show The modern surgeon is involved with the management of a patient from preoperative evaluation, through the conduct of the operation into the postoperative care period, and often into generating a long-term plan. As the operating surgeon, he or she is best situated to apply evidence-based scientific knowledge and a deep understanding of potential complications to that patient’s care. The recovery from major surgery can be divided into three phases: (1) an immediate, or post anesthetic, phase; (2) an intermediate phase, encompassing the hospitalization period; and (3) a convalescent phase. During the first two phases, care is principally directed at maintenance of homeostasis, treatment of pain, and prevention and early detection of complications. The convalescent phase is a transition period from the time of hospital discharge to full recovery. The trend toward earlier postoperative discharge after major surgery has shifted the venue of this period. We often say “postop starts preop,” which essentially means that the postoperative plan should be considered and discussed before surgery to set expectations for the patient and their family. THE IMMEDIATE POSTOPERATIVE PERIODThe primary causes of early complications and death following major surgery are acute pulmonary, cardiovascular, and fluid derangements. The post anesthesia care unit (PACU) is staffed by specially trained personnel and provided with equipment for early detection and treatment of these problems. All patients should be monitored in this specialized unit initially following major procedures unless they are transported directly to an intensive care unit. While enroute from the operating room (OR) to the PACU, the patient should be accompanied by a physician and other qualified attendants. In the PACU, the anesthesiology service generally exercises primary responsibility for cardiopulmonary function. The surgeon is responsible for the operative site and all other aspects of the care not directly related to the effects of anesthesia. The patient can be discharged from the recovery room when cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurologic functions have returned to baseline, which usually occurs 1-3 hours following operation. Patients who require continuing ventilatory or circulatory support, or who have other conditions that require frequent monitoring, are transferred to an intensive care unit. In this setting, nursing personnel specially trained in the management of respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies are available, and the staff-to-patient ratio is higher than it is on the wards. Monitoring equipment is available to enable early detection of cardiorespiratory derangements. Some hospitals may also have intermediate sites of care, either with telemetry or so-called “stepdown” units where the staff-to-patient ratio may be higher than on a regular floor with increased capabilities for monitoring of cardiorespiratory function, administration of specialty medications, and so on. Postoperative OrdersDetailed treatment orders are necessary to direct postoperative care. The transfer of the patient from OR to PACU requires reiteration of any patient care orders. Unusual or particularly important orders should also be communicated to the nursing team orally. The ... Wound dressing
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Contact & additional informationView contact information for UK Center for Cartilage Repair and Restoration This information is not intended to replace specific instructions from your physician. Check with your doctor to make sure these instructions apply to your case. What are 3 nursing interventions for a postA. Nursing interventions that are required in postoperative care include prompt pain control, assessment of the surgical site and drainage tubes, monitoring the rate and patency of IV fluids and IV access, and assessing the patient's level of sensation, circulation, and safety.
What are three goals of postThe ultimate goal of post-surgery rehab is to increase endurance, strength and flexibility. Any post-operative exercises should be overseen by the care of a doctor or licensed physical therapist.
What are the types of postBasically, there are two types of postoperative care – the inpatient care and the home-based care. Continue reading to understand postoperative care for seniors, in detail.
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