Post-Operative Care

• How might a patient feel after surgery and anaesthetic?

  They may feel disoriented or in pain
• What medication is likely used for pain control in PACU?

  Opioids
• What are common side effects of analgesics?

  Nausea and respiratory depression
• What are the PACU nurse's priorities after surgery?

  • Assess immediate response to surgery
  • Monitor health status (ABCs, VS, fluids)
  • Evaluate readiness for transfer from PACU:
  • VSS
  • Sufficient pain management
  • Improving LOC
  • Nausea/vomiting control
  • Intact wound dressing
• What types of data are included in routine pain assessment?

  Objective and subjective data
• Why is it important to evaluate the efficacy of pain management interventions?

  To ensure effective pain relief for the patient
• What is the expected outcome regarding pain for the client?

  Pain tolerable as per client
• What is a possible impact of uncontrolled pain on a patient?

  Reluctance to mobilize
• What are the methods of pain management mentioned?

  • IV Push
  • PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia)
  • Regional Block
  • Intrathecal
  • Oral Pain Medications
  • Non-pharmacological methods
• What approach should be taken for pain management?

  Person Centered Approach
• Why should all pain be treated seriously in post-operative care?

  It is linked to post-operative outcomes
• What are the key considerations in post-operative care related to pain management?

  • Mobility
  • Breathing
  • Healing
• What should be done after assessing pain management?

  Re-Assess and Document
• What is the primary focus of post-operative neurological monitoring?

  Monitoring the patient's level of consciousness
• Why is it important to observe a patient's level of consciousness over time?

  To assess recovery toward baseline cognitive function
• If a patient was alert and oriented before surgery, what should be expected post-operatively?

  They should gradually return to that state
• What does the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assess?

  Level of consciousness based on responses
• What is the scoring range of the Glasgow Coma Scale?

  3 to 15
• What does a declining GCS score indicate?

  Worsening neurological status requiring intervention
• What are the components assessed in the Glasgow Coma Scale?

  Eye-opening, verbal response, motor response
• How is alertness and orientation (A&O) typically assessed?

  By asking questions about person, place, time, and situation
• What questions are asked to assess a patient's orientation post-operatively?

  What is your name? Where are you? What day/month/year is it? Why are you here?
• What is expected of patients' alertness and orientation as anesthesia wears off?

  They should progressively become more alert and oriented
• What is a normal neurological finding within the first 24 hours post-surgery?

  Normal drowsiness due to anesthesia effects
• What does gradual improvement in alertness indicate post-surgery?

  Recovery from anesthesia effects over time
• What is expected regarding cognitive function after surgery?

  Return to preoperative cognitive function in time