What happens in the operating room? By: Becky fletcher, rn
INTRODUCTION For this project I went to my daughter’s Pre-K class to tell them about the operating room At the outpatient surgery center where I work we see a lot of pediatric patients needing tonsillectomies and ear tubes I used the following power point presentation to teach them about what happens when you to go the OR
What is the operating room? is where surgery takes place in the hospital When someone has surgery a special doctor called a surgeon works on the inside of their body to fix something that is wrong
Why would a kid need to go to the or There are lots of common surgeries for kids Some include having tubes put in their ears to help prevent ear infections If you get sore throats, called tonsillitis, you might have to get your tonsils taken out Sometimes surgery needs to happen in a hurry If you fall and break a bone, you might need surgery to fix it Or, if you have really bad belly pain and go to the emergency department, surgery may need to be done quickly
What does an or look like?
Before the operation If you know ahead of time that you are going to have surgery you can visit the hospital to see what it looks like Make sure you ask your parents, the nurses, and the doctors any questions you may have about what will happen before, during, and after your surgery You can bring toys, blankets, or your favorite stuffed animal to have with you during your hospital visit
Who will you see at the hospital A nurse will help you get ready for surgery when you arrive at the hospital The nurse will ask you and your parents questions about your health and if you are allergic to anything The nurse will also check your temperature, listen to your heart and lungs, and take your blood pressure
Going to sleep One good thing about surgery is that you get to sleep through it all! The doctor who helps you go to sleep is called an anesthesiologist This doctor is specially trained to give you medicine to help you fall asleep This medicine also keeps you from feeling any pain during your surgery
Commonly used equipment To help you go to sleep, the anesthesiologist uses a mask that smells like a plastic beach ball. It’s cool because it makes you look like a a fighter pilot!!!
Who are all those masked people? To help keep the OR germ free the nurses and doctors have to wear masks to cover their mouths and noses and hats to cover their hair We all may look alike but we all have very special jobs to help take care of you
On the day of surgery You won’t be able to eat breakfast the day of surgery Having food or water in your stomach before surgery can sometimes be dangerous Your mom or dad will be able to stay with you until it’s time for surgery Parents can go with you into the operating room until you fall asleep but they won’t be able to stay the whole time After you wake up after surgery your parents will be there waiting for you!
What is an or nurse? I am a nurse that is specially trained to work in the operating room I make sure the room is clean and germ free before you get there I make sure that all the required paperwork has been signed by your parents I write down, or document, what happens during surgery I make sure that you are safe during your procedure and that the surgeon has everything needed to perform your surgery
Questions….?