(11)
Record procedure and report significant observations to the Charge
Nurse.
(a)
Wound site condition.
(b)
Surface healing.
(c)
Evidence of infection.
(d)
Poor wound adhesiveness.
Section V. GENERAL NURSING IMPLICATIONS OF THE
POSTOPERATIVE PATIENT
4-18. GENERAL
The length of time a patient needs to recuperate from a surgical experience
depends on the patient's preoperative physical and mental preparation, the type and
magnitude of the surgical procedure, and the multiple factors involved in the
postoperative recuperative periods.
4-19. GENERAL POSTOPERATIVE NURSING TASKS
In helping the surgical patient to return to his maximal possible state of health, in
addition to your specific duties, you must also perform the following.
a.
Monitor the patient's vital signs as ordered.
b.
Report the patient's elevated temperature and rapid/weak pulse
immediately to the Charge Nurse. As mentioned before, this may be an indication to an
infection.
c.
Report the patient's lowered blood pressure and increased pulse to the
Charge Nurse. This may be an indication to hypovolemic shock.
d.
Administer analgesics to the patient as ordered.
e.
Apply all nursing implications related to the patient receiving analgesics
(narcotic or not).
f.
Participate in nutrition therapy with the health team. You will be providing
nutrition to the postoperative patient according to the patient's condition and doctor's
order.
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