Pre-op + Post-op

Question 1

What is preoperative?

Answer 1

Before surgery
— ends at the time of transfer to the surgical site

Question 2

What is intraoperative?

Answer 2

During surgery

Question 3

What is postoperative?

Answer 3

After surgery
*elevated BP is normal for post-op

Question 4

What are some important quality measures for surgery?

Answer 4

Prevent:
— wrong-site surgery
— patient falls
— hospital-acquired pressure ulcers
— vascular catheter-associated infections
— central line infections

Question 5

What are some pre-op labs?

Answer 5

— urinalysis
— electrolyte levels
— clotting factors
— serum creatinine

Question 6

What are factors that increase the risk for surgical complications?

Answer 6

— age: older than 65
— medications
— medical history
— prior surgical experiences
— family history
— type of surgical procedure (open heart, spine, brain, airway)

Question 7

Specific considerations for older adults:

Answer 7

— greater incidence of chronic illness
— greater incidence of malnutrition
— more allergies
— increased impaired self-care abilities
— inadequate support systems
— decreased ability to withstand the stress of surgery and anesthesia

Question 8

What is the nurses role with informed consent?

Answer 8

Witness to consent form signed
— doctor will present form and explain the procedure
— surgeon is responsible for having consent form signed before sedation is given