POSTOPERATIVE CARE .

OBSERVATION OF A PATIENT IN A POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD

1. OBSERVATION OF THE PATIENT IN A POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD - RIYA SANJAY BAGHELE. NAGPUR BRANCH .

2. POSTOPERATIVE CARE DEFINATION : Postoperative care is the management of the patient after surgery . This includes care given during the immediate postoperative period, both in the operating room and post anesthetic care unit [PACU] , as well as the days following surgery. Postoperative care involves assessment , diagnosis ,planning ,intervention ,and outcome evaluation.

3. observation of the patient in a postoperative period : P ostoperative care begins immediately after surgery . Postoperative phase is a immediate recovery phase and requires intensive nursing care to detect early signs of complication . On the first postoperative day the patient needs close and frequent observation eg : the vital signs are checked every 15 minor more frequently . Once the vital signs are stabilized , the observation may be made every 2 hours or 4 hourly according to the progress made by the patient.

4. The main sign should be observed in a postoperative patient are : Pulse rate Respiratory rate Skin color Skin temperature Blood pressuer Intake and output – IV fluids ,oral fluids taken by the patient , naso -gastric aspiration , wound drainage , blood loss. Abdominal grith in patient with abdominal distension. Urinary output time and amount

5. Bowel movement. Signs of hypo/ hypervolaemia . Any breathing difficulties. Pain over the calf muscles. Operation site for bleeding , drainage. Any specific observation as told by the surgeon and according to the operation done. A patient remains in a postoperative unit until the patient has fully recovered . When a patient shows stable vital signs ,adequate oxygen signs, minimal pain , urine output at leas 30ml/hour , Adequate respiratory function , the patient can get discharge from the post operative unit.