frequently to prevent respiratory infections. When the patient is alert, encourage and
assist him to cough and take deep breaths several times each hour.
(7) If possible, engage the patient in a conversation to observe his level of
orientation. Take into consideration each patient's normal responses due to various
physical factors.
(8) Provide emotional support to the patient and his family. When the patient
is alert, tell him that he is in the recovery room and that you are always nearby to help him.
Reinforce any information that may have been provided by the surgeon. To decrease
anxiety and increase lung expansion, encourage conversation with the patient. Use this
opportunity to patient teach by explaining what you are about to do in brief, simple
sentences. If family members are permitted in the recovery room, stay with them as they
visit. They may be frightened of the environment and by their loved one's appearance.
(9) When the patient's physical status and level of consciousness are stable,
the surgeon clears the patient for transfer to his room. Call the nursing unit and give a
verbal report to include the following.
(a)
Patient's name
(b)
Type of surgery.
(c)
Mental alertness.
(d)
Care given in the recovery room.
(e)
Vital signs, at what time they were taken, and any symptoms of
complications.
(f) Presence, type and functional status of intravenous fluids, and any
(g)
Whether or not the patient has voided, if a catheter is not in place.
(h)
(10) Document all necessary information in the nurse's notes and transfer the
patient to the unit in accordance with local standing operating procedures (SOP).
SECTION IV. POSTOPERATIVE PATIENT CARE
8-16. RECEIVING THE POST-OP PATIENT
a. The nursing process is used during all phases of perioperative care, with
emphasis on the special and unique needs of each patient in each phase. Ongoing
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