Core Components of Pre‑Operative Nursing Care

-

          Pre‑operative nursing care focuses on preparing the patient physically, psychologically, and legally for surgery, ensuring safety and reducing complications. Key steps include thorough assessment, patient education, consent verification, and readiness checks before transfer to the operating room.

1. Patient Assessment

o   Medical history review: Comorbidities, allergies, medications

o   Physical exam: Vital signs, airway assessment, hydration status

o   Diagnostic tests: Blood work, imaging, ECG as ordered

o   Risk identification: Fall risk, infection risk, anesthesia concerns

2. Psychological Support

o   Reduce anxiety and fear: Provide reassurance, answer questions

o   Family involvement: Allow presence, explain procedure in simple terms

o   Spiritual/cultural needs: Respect beliefs and rituals

3. Patient Education

o   Explain procedure and anesthesia: What to expect before and after

o   Teach breathing and coughing exercises: Prevent post‑op complications

o   Pain management plan: Discuss analgesia options

o   Fasting instructions: NPO (nothing by mouth) as per protocol

4. Physical Preparation

o   Skin preparation: Bathing, shaving if required

o   Bowel preparation: Enemas/laxatives if ordered

o   Remove personal items: Jewelry, dentures, nail polish

o   IV line insertion: For fluids/medications

o   Pre‑medications: Sedatives, antibiotics as prescribed

5. Legal and Administrative Tasks

o   Informed consent: Verify signature and patient understanding

o   Checklist completion: Allergies, investigations, consent, fasting status

o   Documentation: Record all nursing interventions and patient status

6. Transfer to Operating Room

o   Identification: Confirm patient name, ID band, procedure

o   Safety checks: Side rails, oxygen if needed, secure IV lines

o   Handover: Clear communication to OR team using SBAR format

Quick Pre‑Op Nursing Checklist

  •      Patient assessed (history, vitals, labs)
  • Anxiety addressed, education provided
  • Consent signed and verified
  • NPO status confirmed
  • Skin/bowel prep completed
  • IV line and pre‑medications given
  • Jewelry/dentures removed
  • Documentation complete
  • Patient safely transferred

 

Risks if not followed: Increased chance of surgical site infection, anesthesia complications, delayed recovery, or legal issues.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ANSWER TO Stroke (CVA) Quiz

-
1. A patient is admitted with uncontrolled atrial fibrillation. The patient’s medication history includes vitamin D supplements and calcium. What type of stroke is this patient at MOST risk for? A. Ischemic thrombosis B. Ischemic embolism C. Hemorrhagic D. Ischemic stenosis The answer is B. If a patient is in uncontrolled a-fib they are at risk for clot formation within the heart chambers. This clot can leave the heart and travel to the brain. Hence, an ischemic embolism type stroke can occur. An ischemic thrombosis type stroke is where a clot forms within the artery wall of the neck or brain. 2. Which patient below is at most risk for a hemorrhagic stroke? A. A 65 year old male patient with carotid stenosis. B. A 89 year old female with atherosclerosis. C. A 88 year old male with uncontrolled hypertension and a history of brain aneurysm repair 2 years ago. D. A 55 year old female with atrial flutter. The answer is C. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when bleeding in the ...
Read more

Pressure Ulcers / Decubetus Ulcer (Bedsores)

-
Image
Pressure ulcers are a common and serious problem in clinical practice, particularly for clients who are bedridden or use a wheelchair. These injuries to the skin and underlying tissue can cause significant pain and discomfort, and can even lead to life-threatening infections, sepsis, abscesses, necrotizing fasciitis, and osteomyelitis. Nurses play a critical role in preventing and managing pressure ulcers, and understanding how to stage these wounds is an essential part of their practice. What are pressure ulcers?  Pressure ulcers are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure restricting blood flow.  Nursing tip: Always do a full head-to-toe skin assessment upon admission or transfer to your unit, and document appropriately. What causes pressure ulcers? Pressure ulcers (older terms: bed sores, decubitus) are usually caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. Other causes include friction, shear, moisture, and contributing factors include ...
Read more

🩺 Key Nursing Care Protocol Before Transfer

-
  1. Immediate Patient Assessment a.        Check vital signs: Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature. b.        Airway patency: Ensure endotracheal tube, tracheostomy, or airway adjuncts are secure. c.        Level of consciousness: Assess response to verbal/tactile stimuli. d.        Pain and comfort: Evaluate pain score and administer prescribed analgesics if needed. 2. Stabilization Before Transfer a.        Hemodynamic stability: Confirm the patient is not in shock or unstable. b.        Fluid balance: IV lines should be patent, fluids running as prescribed. c.        Drainage tubes/catheters: Check patency, secure placement, and ensure no leakage. d.        Dressings: Inspect sur...
Read more