Pre-Op Care The day before surgery tell family time to arrive observe and report chest pain nausea or vomiting elevated temperature respiratory problems cough sneezing difficulty breathing enema

Morning of Surgery NPO Vital signs Morning care Hospital gown only including oral hygiene Hospital gown only Patient to void ID band/allergy band on Items to remove

Post-Op Care Make bed into a surgical bed Move chairs, overbed table, etc Clean off overbed table and bedside stand Place IV pole in room Put emesis basin and box of tissues on overbed table

PCA Duties Take vital signs as ordered Observe patient’s respiration q15min for 1st hour q30min for 2nd hour q1h for 3 or 4 hours q4h Observe patient’s respiration Help maintain circulation Help maintain elimination processes Promote comfort and safety Report to RN

Common Post-Op Complications Infection at the site Pneumonia Blood clots Constipation Decubitus ulcers Urinary retention

Prevention of Pneumonia Coughing and deep breathing splint the cough Incentive spirometer Change position q2h Leg exercises

Prevention of Blood Clots Ambulation Leg exercises TED hose Sequential compression device (SCD) Intermittent plantar compression pump (PlexiPulse)

TED Hose Keep steady pressure on the muscles of the lower extremities returns blood to the heart Knee-hi Thigh-hi How to measure calf circumference leg length

SCD Purpose--to reduce incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) increases blood flow reduces stasis of blood Highly recommended for the following: those who have surgery for more than 2 hours patients on strict bedrest obesity certain surgeries

PlexiPulse Purpose--to promote venous blood flow to prevent deep vein thrombosis also improves circulation to reduce leg pain and edema after trauma or surgery Mimics the natural effects of walking and weight-bearing on the circulation in legs and feet