1-22. POSTOPERATIVE NURSING CARE OF THE PATIENT UNDERGOING
OPHTHALMIC SURGERY
a. Return from Surgery.
(1)
The patient must be lifted off the litter, he is not to move himself.
(2)
The patient should be positioned in the bed as prescribed by the
physician.
(3)
Sandbags should be used to immobilize the patient's head, if ordered.
(4) If both eyes are bandaged (they normally are), the side rails MUST be
raised at all times to protect the patient in the event he becomes disoriented and
attempts to get out of bed.
(5) Place the call bell within easy reach of the patient's head and let the
patient know exactly where it is located.
(6) Remind the patient that he should not cough, sneeze, or blow his nose.
Instruct him to inform the staff if he feels the urge, since these actions will increase
intraocular pressure.
b. Orientation.
(1) Reinforce the physical orientation given during the preoperative period
by verbally reviewing the locations of objects in the room.
(2)
Orient the patient to other people in the room.
(3) The patient should have an awareness of his surroundings and know
what to expect to avoid being startled or frightened.
c. Precautions.
(1) Avoid dislodgement of the eye dressings by securing them with an eye
shield or reinforcing loose tape.
(2) Restrain the arms of children and disoriented or uncooperative patients,
as appropriate.
(3) A sleeping patient must be watched constantly to ensure that proper
positioning is maintained. Often, a family member may be asked to stay with the patient
for this purpose.
MD0919
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