1. Pre-Op Care The day before surgery tell family time to arrive
observe and report
chest pain
nausea or vomiting
elevated temperature
respiratory problems
cough
sneezing
difficulty breathing
enema

2. Morning of Surgery NPO Vital signs Morning care Hospital gown only
including oral hygiene
Hospital gown only
Patient to void
ID band/allergy band on
Items to remove

3. Post-Op Care Make bed into a surgical bed
Move chairs, overbed table, etc
Clean off overbed table and bedside stand
Place IV pole in room
Put emesis basin and box of tissues on overbed table

4. PCA Duties Take vital signs as ordered Observe patient’s respiration
q15min for 1st hour q30min for 2nd hour
q1h for 3 or 4 hours q4h
Observe patient’s respiration
Help maintain circulation
Help maintain elimination processes
Promote comfort and safety
Report to RN

5. Common Post-Op Complications
Infection at the site
Pneumonia
Blood clots
Constipation
Decubitus ulcers
Urinary retention

6. Prevention of Pneumonia
Coughing and deep breathing
splint the cough
Incentive spirometer
Change position q2h
Leg exercises

7. Prevention of Blood Clots
Ambulation
Leg exercises
TED hose
Sequential compression device (SCD)
Intermittent plantar compression pump (PlexiPulse)

8. TED Hose Keep steady pressure on the muscles of the lower extremities
returns blood to the heart
Knee-hi
Thigh-hi
How to measure
calf circumference
leg length

9. SCD Purpose--to reduce incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
increases blood flow
reduces stasis of blood
Highly recommended for the following:
those who have surgery for more than 2 hours
patients on strict bedrest
obesity
certain surgeries

10. PlexiPulse
Purpose--to promote venous blood flow to prevent deep vein thrombosis
also improves circulation to reduce leg pain and edema after trauma or surgery
Mimics the natural effects of walking and weight-bearing on the circulation in legs and feet