(3)
Provide preoperative morning care.
(a) Awake the patient early enough to complete morning care. Give him
a clean hospital gown and the necessary toiletries. The patient should have another
shower or bath using a topical antiseptic, such as povidone-iodine. The skin cannot be
made completely sterile, but the number of microorganisms on it can be substantially
reduced. If the surgery is extensive, it may be several days before the patient has another
shower or "real" bath.
(b) The patient should have complete mouth care before surgery. A
clean mouth provides comfort for the patient and prevents aspiration of small food particles
that may be left in the mouth. Instruct the patient not to chew gum.
(4) Remove prostheses. Assist the patient or provide privacy so that the
patient can remove any prostheses. These includes artificial limbs, artificial eyes, contact
lenses, eyeglasses, dentures, or other removable oral appliances. Place small items in a
container and label them with the patient's name and room number. Dentures are usually
left at the bedside.
(5) Record vital signs. Obtain and record the patient's temperature, pulse,
respiration, and blood pressure before the preoperative medication is administered.
b. Allow the patient time to complete any last minute personal measures and visit
with the family.
c. Recheck the accuracy of DD Form 1924, Surgical Check List.
d. If ordered, administer preoperative medications. Pre-op medications are usually
ordered by the anesthesiologist, and administered about 30 to 60 minutes before the
patient is taken to the operating room.
(1) The medications may be ordered given at a scheduled time or on call (the
operating room will call and tell you when to give the medications).
(2) The medications may consist of one, two, or three drugs: a narcotic or
sedative; a drug to decrease secretions in the mouth, nose, throat, and bronchi; and an
antiemetic.
(3)
Have the patient void before administering the medications.
(4) Explain to the patient the effects experienced following administration of
the medications (drowsiness, extreme dry mouth).
(5) Instruct the patient to remain in bed. Raise the side rails on the bed and
place the call bell within easy reach.
MD0906
8-10