Question

When caring for an elderly postoperative client, the nurse should know that the client compared with younger postoperative clients, will have an increased need for.

Answer 1

Here are the most crucial post-surgery care facts you should know about. While all surgeries are complicated, the recovery for seniors is often more so.

1. Uncontrolled Pain

While pain is common after surgery, this is still something to look for in post-surgery care.

The reason is that in some elderly patients, painkillers may not do the job. If you notice that pain isn’t dulled by prescription drugs, speak with a doctor.

Problems with pain management can affect a patient’s ability to recover. Not to mention, it also makes the recovery process more uncomfortable than it needs to be.

2. Confusion or Delirium

Coming out of anesthesia isn’t an easy task. Grogginess plagues a majority of those who undergo surgery. But confusion or postoperative delirium is different and is common in elderly patients.

Experts say more than 80 percent of elderly patient’s delirium goes unnoticed. Here are the signs to watch for:

• Distraction
• Disorientation
• Inability to say certain words
• Temporary memory loss
• Hallucinations
• Lack of awareness

If you notice any of these things in your loved one, tell someone immediately.

3. Increased Nausea

Medications and anesthesia have adverse effects for most patients. If you or a loved one have trouble, it may be normal.

Nausea in itself isn’t alarming. But if it persists, it may cause dehydration. Call a professional if vomiting and sickness do not subside.

4. Excessive Bruising

After surgery, it’s overwhelming to see the aftermath. To add to the drama, there’s often excessive bruising.

The reason is that blood had a tendency to leak and spread to other places under the skin. It’s not uncommon to find bruising around the surgery site. Don’t panic, if you can help it.

While bruising won’t hinder healing, it can slow it down. As always, if you’re concerned, contact your doctor.

5. Dehydration

In the middle of the confusion, pain, and tiredness, it’s easy to forget to drink water. It happens often with elderly patients in surgical aftercare. That’s why it’s critical that someone is there to remind them to hydrate.

Ice chips can go a long way. Hydration will help with temperature spikes, nausea, and all kinds of post-op side-effects.