Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

ASC183 Surgical Nursing > T9: Post Operative Care > Flashcards

T9: Post Operative Care Flashcards

1
Q

Why is anaesthesia lightened towards the end of surgery?

A
  • to prevent deepening once the stimulus of surgery is stopped.
  • This counteracts the depressant effects of anaesthesia on the central nervous system and cardio-vascular system.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How should you place an animal in its cage after surgery?
Enviro considerations?

A
  • in a clean, warm cage with no protruberance, dishes, toys or other animals.
  • surgical wound should be uppermost for observation and to avoid contamination.
  • head should be placed towards the door of the cage for observation and slightly lower than the body for drainage from the mouth
  • animal should be turned frequently; at least every two hours
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Things to remember when extubating:

A
  • always deflate the cuff before removing the tube
  • never leave an animal unattended with an endotracheal tube in place
  • position animal with neck extended and tongue protruding
  • always check air is moving freely; moving chest does notindicate obstruction
  • always check the oropharynx for secretions, blood, etc. before and after removing the endotracheal tube
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Special ET tube removal considerations for cats?

A
  • can have ER tube removed just before swallowing reflex occurs
  • cats are very sensitive; early removal can result in laryngospasm and upper airway obstruction
  • also consider this for brachycephalic dogs
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What aspects should a recovery area have?

A
  • soft, comfy bedding
  • heating
  • quiet and easily accessible
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Along with vital signs, what are some surgically related considerations for recovery?

A
  • hypothermia
  • endotracheal tube removal
  • pain associated with the specific surgical procedure
  • the possibility of a prolonged recovery
  • other factors such as monitoring drains and intravenous fluid
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

At what temperature will cardiac arrest occur (hypothermia)?

A

28 - 30 C

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How can hypothermia impair recovery?

A
  • longer recovery
  • depressed ventilation
  • :: prone to hypoxia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is CRI?

A

constant rate infusion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Possible causes of delayed recovery include:

A
  • drug related sedation due to opioid analgesics
  • drug overdosage. This may be “absolute”, where too much drug is given to a healthy animal, or “relative” where the amount of drug given may not have seemed excessive but the animal has a delayed return to consciousness because of an inability to metabolise the drug
  • hypothermia
  • haemorrhage
  • shock
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How can a violent recovery be counter-acted?

A
  • small doses of tranquillisers at doses to be determined by the surgeon
  • physical restraint
  • re-anaesthesia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How is inhalation of fluids controlled?

A
  • can cause a serious inspiration pneumonia.
  • It is controlled by aspirating through the cuffed tube with a suction catheter and prevented by keeping the cuff inflated.
  • If the tube has been removed, re-anaesthetising and re-intubating is necessary
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Signs of shock?

A
  • pale mucous membranes
  • poor capillary return
  • cold ears, feet, skin
  • rapid, shallow breathing
  • weak, rapid pulse
  • occasional deep sighs or gasps.

treated w/ IV drips, O2 and warmth

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

How long should you monitor an animals vital signs after surgery?

A

until the animal is fully conscious

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How should you position an animal in recovery?

A
  • preferably in sternal recumbency
  • so that the mouth is the lowest point to avoid aspiration if the animal vomits.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

If an animal has not ‘righted’ itself in half an hour post surgery, what should you do?

A

turn animal to avoid pooling of fluid in the lungs.

17
Q

How can you assist with a newborn puppy?

A
  • clear mouth of secretions, use syringe to aspirate if necessary
  • give oxygen via mask
  • rub vigorously to stimulate breathing with a towel
  • humidicrib
  • clamp or tie umbilical cord
18
Q

Post operative abnormalities in wounds and surgical sites include:

A
  • haemorrhage or other exudation
  • swelling
  • self trauma
19
Q

Other post-op abnormalities include:

A
  • delayed recovery
  • cold extremities
  • low body temperature
  • pale mucous membranes
  • increased heart rate
  • increased respiratory rate
  • abdominal distension
20
Q

What are the three main phases of post-op pain management?

A
  1. The immediate recovery period at the end of surgery, up to the time the animal returns to consciousness
  2. The extended period of care up until the time the animal is discharged. This may be hours, days or weeks
  3. Post-operative care at home.
21
Q

Why are drains placed into wounds?

A
  • to aid the removal of infection or to prevent the accumulation of fluid under the incision.
  • These need to be kept patent and may need flushing a couple of times a day.
  • Most drains are removed once the wound has started to heal and there is no sign of continued fluid build up under the wound.
  • In most cases, this is 4-7 days post-operatively.
22
Q

For tissue repair, animals may require what dietary changes?

A

require additional energy and high quality protein

Fats are the preferred source of energy for tissues during recovery.

23
Q

When would you use naso-eosophageal tube feeding?

A
  • once other non-invasive methods of feeding have failed (offering highly palatable food and syringe feeding).
24
Q

What dietary considerations are there for patients staying in hospital long term?

A
  • RER (resting energy requirement)
  • documentation of food offered/food eaten
  • need to consider that eg small amount of chicken every few hours is not a complete diet
25
Q

What problems can occur with animals who are in prolonged recumbency?

A
  • bed sores (decubital ulcers)
  • urine scalding
26
Q

Where should you place an incontinence bad in the animals cage?

A
  • underneath a fluffy
  • not appropriate on top
  • keeps animal dry and prevents scalding
  • only top layer needs changing
27
Q

Rehabilitation activities may include:

A
  • massage
  • swimming
  • passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercises
  • electrical muscle stimulation
28
Q

How is massage beneficial?

A

Stroking, kneading and compression techniques can assist in improving circulation, loosening tendons and minimising oedema

29
Q

Describe “passive range-of-motion excersises

A
  • requires no voluntary muscle activity.
  • The limb is slowly moved within its proper range of motion.
  • Each treatment should last for 5-10 minutes and be performed two to four times a day
30
Q

What are some things that need to be communicated to the owner post-op?

also some considerations (not just info)

A
  • how to administer meds (oral and topical)
  • client safety is important; advise to take no risk if animal becomes aggressive
  • timing and amount of meds
  • adverse signs to watch out for
  • nutrition of pet
  • physical and psychological behaviours
  • particularly bowel and bladder function

ASC183 Surgical Nursing (15 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions