CHAPTER

Chapter 5 Care of Postoperative Surgical Patients

Care of Postoperative Surgical

Patients

SHorT ANSWER
PACU Care
Directions: Provide the answers to the following questions in the blank spaces provided.
1. When there is an abdominal incision, the patient is initially placed in what position upon reaching the
PACU? (95)

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2. When the patient goes from the operating room back to the same-day surgery unit, what parameters
does the nurse immediately monitor? (94)

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Postoperative Care
Directions: Answer the following questions in the spaces provided.
1. List three reasons why drains are inserted during surgery. (101)
a. _________________________________________________________________________________
b. _________________________________________________________________________________
c. _________________________________________________________________________________

Copyright 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

Chapter 5 Care of Postoperative Surgical Patients

2. Explain what could happen if a surgical drain is neglected or handled inappropriately. (101)

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3. What assessment data might indicate wound dehiscence? (102)__________________________________

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COMPLETION
Directions: Fill in the blanks to complete the statements.
1. The usual protocol for taking vital signs in the immediate postoperative period is: (93, 95)

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2. Home care patients, particularly those who have had abdominal or pelvic surgery, must be observed for
the complication of _________________________ about 35 days after surgery. Signs of this complication are ________________________________________________________________________. (103)
APPLICATION OF THE NURSING PROCESS
Scenario: Mr. Hope, age 72, has undergone an exploratory laparotomy and appendectomy. He did well
through surgery and in the recovery room. He has an IV with D5NS hanging, an NG tube set to low suction,
and a urinary catheter. He has a history of arthritis and hypertension that is well-controlled. He is usually an
active senior, playing tennis and golf a few times each week. He is breathing shallowly when you assess him
and is complaining of pain at 7 out of 10 on the pain scale.
1. What evaluation criteria would tell you that infection has been prevented? (100)

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Copyright 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.

Chapter 5 Care of Postoperative Surgical Patients

MEETING CLINICAL OBJECTIVES

1. Ask to be assigned to the PACU and help care for a patient recovering from anesthesia.
2. Observe how a nurse receives, assesses, and cares for a postoperative patient just returning from surgery.
3. Ask your instructor to assign you patients who will require immediate postoperative care. Plan ahead
for how you will fit in the frequent assessments needed and when you will have the patient perform the
breathing and other exercises needed to prevent complications.

Copyright 2009 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.