Question

explain the nursing role within the healthcare team for prevention and management of six postoperative complication

Answer 1

Post operative is the period starting immediately after the surgery and lasts till 3rd to 4th day after the surgery untill the patient recovers. Patient undergoing surgery faces various complications after the surgery or during the post operative phase. Hence the nurses have to give and plan proper care for the patient. Some of the complications faced by the patient along with its management and prevention are as follow:

1. Risk for getting infection:

Management:

- the nurse should check the level of infection the patient has got.

- she should identify the extent of the spread of the infection.

- she should check for the cause of the infection.

- nurse should do the dressing everyday untill the signs and symptoms subsides down.

- she should keep the infected area dry.

- she should treat the symptoms generated from the infection.

Prevention:

- always use aseptic method while handling the surgical site

- do not expose the surgical site or wound area untill it becomes dry.

- always do the dressing after every 2 days

- inspect the areas for any signs of infection and do the skin inspection.

2. Atelectasis:

Management:

- provide deep breathing exercises

- provide chest physiotherapy

- ensure proper and maximum airway is provided

- provide oxygen therapy if required

Prevention:

- ask the patient to breathe slowly and fully

- ask him if he has any problems in breathing

- provide slow deep breathing exercises

- make the patient use the spirometers inorder to prevent the chances of getting atelectasis

3. Embolism:

Management:

- assess the presence of embolism in which part or area.

- check for any signs of blockage in any area.

- provide anti coagulation drugs

- prevent DVT

Prevention:

- ensure proper drainage is provided

- ensure that the patient's signs and symptoms are not neglected

- check if the patient had the history of DVT or pulmonary embolism

4. Deep vein thrombosis:

Management:

- check or assess the level of thrombosis over the popleteal area.

- assess the level of pain in the patient.

Provide medications that can be anti coagulation drugs

- provide compression stockings

- elevate the affected legs

Prevention:

- assess if there is any signs of formation of DVT in the patient

- ask the patient to lie down with legs elevated

- give patient the proper amount of exercise and rest and sleep

5. Post operative fever:

Management:

- assess the level of body temperature in the patient

- check for the signs of infection in the wound area.

- check for the side reaction or affect of the given medications- check for the level of pain in the patient

- provide symptomatic management

- provide medications

Prevention:

- assess the condition of the patient

- check or monitor the vital signs every 15 minutely for an hour or two after operation

- check if the patient is discovering any signs of infection

- check for the site of wound

- provide proper wound care

- if pain is more provide analgesics

6. Bleeding:

Management:

- check for the amount of bleeding

- check for the site of bleeding

- blood transfusion would be given if needed

- provide antifybrinolytic medications

- if required surgical management should be given

Prevention:

- assess for the patient's blood count and check the site of the wound for the sign of bleeding

- ask the patient not to strain much as it might lead to tissue injury

- advice the patient to take proper rest and to hold the wound site while coughing and sneezinf

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