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    Postoperative Nursing Responsibilities

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    Darlyn Amplayo
    The nurse is responsible for several tasks when a patient is transferred from the operating room to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). These include reviewing medical information with the anesthesia provider, monitoring vital signs, assessing surgical sites and drainage, positioning the patient comfortably, and determining when the patient is ready for discharge based on stable conditions and orientation. The goal is to safely care for and recover the patient after surgery in the PACU before sending them to another unit.

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    Postoperative Nursing Responsibilities

    Uploaded by

    Darlyn Amplayo
    107 views1 page
    The nurse is responsible for several tasks when a patient is transferred from the operating room to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). These include reviewing medical information with the anesthesia provider, monitoring vital signs, assessing surgical sites and drainage, positioning the patient comfortably, and determining when the patient is ready for discharge based on stable conditions and orientation. The goal is to safely care for and recover the patient after surgery in the PACU before sending them to another unit.

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    postop responsibilities

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    POSTOPERATIVE-NURSING-RESPONSIBILITIES

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    The nurse is responsible for several tasks when a patient is transferred from the operating room to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). These include reviewing medical information with the anesthesia provider, monitoring vital signs, assessing surgical sites and drainage, positioning the patient comfortably, and determining when the patient is ready for discharge based on stable conditions and orientation. The goal is to safely care for and recover the patient after surgery in the PACU before sending them to another unit.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    107 views1 page

    Postoperative Nursing Responsibilities

    Uploaded by

    Darlyn Amplayo
    The nurse is responsible for several tasks when a patient is transferred from the operating room to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). These include reviewing medical information with the anesthesia provider, monitoring vital signs, assessing surgical sites and drainage, positioning the patient comfortably, and determining when the patient is ready for discharge based on stable conditions and orientation. The goal is to safely care for and recover the patient after surgery in the PACU before sending them to another unit.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 1

    POSTOPERATIVE NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

    1. Transfer of patient to PACU - The anesthesia provider remains at the head of the stretcher (to
    maintain the airway), and a surgical team member, usually the circulating nurse, remains at the opposite
    end.
    2. The nurse who admits the patient to the PACU reviews the following information with the
    anesthesiologist or anesthetist:
     Medical diagnosis and type of surgery performed
     Pertinent past medical history and allergies
     Patient’s age and general condition, airway patency, vital signs
     Anesthetics and other medications used during the procedure
     Any problems that occurred in the operating room that might influence postoperative care
     Pathology encountered
     Fluid administered, estimated blood loss, and replacement fluids
     Any tubing, drains, catheters, or supportive aids
     Specific information about which the surgeon, anesthesiologist, or anesthetist wishes to be
    notified
    3. Assess breathing and administer supplemental oxygen, if prescribed.
    4. Monitor vital signs and pulse oximetry; note skin warmth, moisture, and color.
    5. Assess the surgical site and wound drainage systems.
    6. Assess level of consciousness, orientation, and ability to move extremities.
    7. Connect all drainage tubes to gravity or suction as indicated and monitor closed drainage systems.
    8. Assess pain level, pain characteristics (location, quality) and timing, type, and route of administration
    of last pain medication.
    9. Administer analgesics as prescribed and assess their effectiveness in relieving pain.
    10. Position patient to enhance comfort, safety, and lung expansion.
    11. Assess IV sites for patency and infusions for correct rate and solution.
    12. Assess urine output in closed drainage system or the patient’s urge to void and bladder distention.
    13. Reinforce need to begin deep-breathing and leg exercises.
    14. Place call light, emesis basin, ice chips (if allowed), and bedpan or urinal within reach.
    15. Provide information to patient and family.
    16. The following measures are used to determine the patient’s readiness for discharge from the PACU:
     Stable vital signs
     Orientation to person, place, events, and time
     Uncompromised pulmonary function
     Pulse oximetry readings indicating adequate blood oxygen saturation
     Urine output at least 30 mL/hr
     Nausea and vomiting absent or under control
     Minimal pain

    References:
    Lewis, S.L. et al. (2017). Medical Surgical Nursing: Assessment and management of clinical problems
    (10th ed.). St. Louis, MI: Elsevier.
    Smeltzer, S.C., & Bare, B. (2003). Brunner and Suddarth's Textbook of medical-surgical nursing (10th
    ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

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