Post-Operative Care-Respiratory

• What should be auscultated in a respiratory assessment?

  Lung fields for breath sounds
• What do abnormal breath sounds indicate?

  Possible complications like atelectasis or pneumonia
• Why is it important to compare breath sounds bilaterally?

  To detect asymmetry indicating complications
• What is the normal respiratory rate for adults?

  12-20 breaths per minute
• What does tachypnea indicate?

  Possible pain, anxiety, hypoxia, or fluid overload
• What can bradypnea be caused by?

  Opioid sedation or neurological impairment
• What might shallow respirations suggest?

  Possible pain, sedation, or respiratory fatigue
• What should be observed regarding the quality of respirations?

  Smooth, unlabored breathing
• What does increased work of breathing (WOB) indicate?

  Possible respiratory distress or obstruction
• What signs indicate increased work of breathing?

  Use of accessory muscles, nasal flaring
• What should be assessed for airway patency?

  Stridor, snoring, or gurgling sounds
• Why is it important for a patient to be alert post-op?

  To protect their airway effectively
• What ability should be monitored regarding secretions?

  Ability to cough and clear secretions
• What are the expected post-operative respiratory findings?

  • Vital signs normal or trending toward baseline
  • Independent respirations (no ventilatory support needed)
  • Maintains oxygenation (SpO₂ > 94% on room air)
  • Able to clear airway effectively (strong cough)
• What is a complication that can occur due to airway obstruction?

  Respiratory distress
• What does bradypnea refer to?

  Decreased respiratory rate
• What condition is indicated by decreased SpO2 levels?

  Hypoxia
• What is atelectasis associated with?

  Decreased SpO2 levels
• What are the signs of pneumonia?

  Decreased SpO2, increased WOB, increased temperature
• What are the preventative interventions for respiratory complications?

  • Routine respiratory monitoring (e.g., opioids)
  • Stimulate/alert client to breathe independently
  • Encourage deep breathing and coughing (consider pain)
  • Use incentive spirometry
  • Perform suctioning as needed
  • Administer oxygen as needed
• How can you stimulate a client to breathe independently?

  By alerting them to breathe
• Why should deep breathing and coughing be encouraged?

  To prevent respiratory complications
• What is the purpose of incentive spirometry?

  To encourage deep breathing
• When should suctioning be performed?

  As needed (prn)
• When is oxygen administered?

  As needed (prn)