Pre/Post OP

Question 1

Pre-Op Assessment

Answer 1

Purpose: Identify factors that affect surgery
Latex Allergy: Prophylaxis to limit risk of reaction
Perioperative teaching before surgery.

Question 2

Pre-Op Teaching

Answer 2

-Deep breathing, coughing exercises
-Incentive spirometer for atelectasis
-Early mobilization to prevent DVT & constipation
-Pain management: Treat pain before it reaches 10
-Splint incision: Use pillow to ease pain during movement

Question 3

Intra-Op

Answer 3

IV Placement for hydration/meds

Skin prep: Use iodine

Explain equipment used during surgery

Question 4

Post-Op Recovery

Answer 4

Recovery Room: ~1 hour

Vital signs: Every 15 mins for 1st hour, 30 mins for 2 hrs, then 1 hr for 4 hrs

Question 5

Post-Op Care

Answer 5

Family updates

May need Oxygen for atelectasis

Diet: Start with clear liquids

Pain assessments: Regular checks for pain

Question 6

Pre-Op Checklist: Documentation

Answer 6

-History and physical in chart
-Labs, EKG, and CXR reports for baseline
-List of medications
-Operative and anesthesia permits signed
-Consent for blood transfusion

Question 7

Pre-Op Checklist: Identification & Allergies

Answer 7

Accurate ID bracelet

Allergies checked

Isolation precautions (if any)

Question 8

Pre-Op Checklist: Personal Items & Vitals

Answer 8

Jewelry, hairpieces, hairpins removed

Vitals taken (baseline)

Fingerstick for blood sugar (if needed)

NPO before surgery

Question 9

Pre-Op Checklist: Final Steps

Answer 9

Recent nursing assessment completed

Report to nurse receiving the patient

Question 10

Post-Op Airway & Respiratory

Answer 10

-Prioritize airway

-Bronchospasm can occur after intubation

-Stridor (airway closing) – treat with racemic epinephrine

-Airway obstruction: Check for secretions, spasms, edema, or tongue blocking airway

-Snoring/Stridor – signs of obstructive airway

-Oxygen: Wean gradually, starting with nonrebreather mask

Question 11

Post-Op Neuro & Cardiac

Answer 11

Neuro: Monitor LOC, GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale)
-Spinal anesthesia/brain surgery: Focused neuro checks

Cardiac:
-BP may be high (pain) or low (fluid loss/narcotics)
-Hypovolemia can cause high HR
-Temperature: Low (heat loss during surgery); High (possible infection)
-EKG/Telemetry for monitoring

Question 12

Post-Op GI & GU

Answer 12

GI Assessment: Inspect, auscultate, palpate
-Absent bowel sounds due to anesthesia or constipation
-Diet order: Start with ice chips, progress slowly to avoid aspiration
-Last BM or passing gas

GU: Assess fluid status

Question 13

Post-Op Skin & Wound Care

Answer 13

Skin Assessment: Check color and incision site
-Drainage types: Sanguineous, serous, serosanguineous
-Check drains: Amount and color of drainage

Wound dressing: Follow specific orders related to surgery
-CSM (Circulation, Sensory, Motor) checks q1h
-Neuro checks: Every hour

Question 14

Post-Op Special Instructions

Answer 14

Flat position for 4 hrs after cath lab (to form a clot)

Clear liquids: Advance diet as tolerated

Back brace with activity

Question 15

Informed consent

Answer 15

-Nurses can be witnesses; students CANNOT.
-Describe procedure
-The underlying disease/process
-Risk and benefits
-Right to refuse
-Expected outcomes/recovery plans.

Question 16

Advance Directive

Answer 16

Legal document that outlines a patient’s wishes for treatment if they become unable to make decisions

Includes code status options:
-DNR: Do Not Resuscitate
-Modified Code: Patient selects specific interventions
-Full Code: Do everything possible to resuscitate