BIOC33H3 Lecture Notes - Vital Signs, Nasogastric Intubation, Recovery Position
25 Mar 2013
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Document Summary
The postoperative period begins immediately after surgery and continues until the patient is discharged from medical care. Priority care in the postanesthesia care unit (pacu) includes monitoring and management of respiratory and circulatory function, pain, temperature, and the surgical site. Assessment begins with an evaluation of the airway, breathing, and circulation (abc). Any evidence of respiratory compromise requires prompt intervention. Pulse oximetry monitoring is initiated because it provides a noninvasive means of assessing the adequacy of oxygenation. Electrocardiographic (ecg) monitoring is initiated to determine cardiac rate and rhythm. The initial neurologic assessment focuses on level of consciousness, orientation, sensory and motor status, and size, equality, and reactivity of the pupils. Because hearing is the first sense to return, the nurse explains all activities to the patient from the moment of admission to the pacu. In the immediate postanesthesia period, the most common causes of airway compromise include airway obstruction, hypoxemia, and hypoventilation.
