Postoperative nursing management, the
PACU (exam #2)
What are the 3 phases of recovery that occur in the PACU? - ANS - 1)Immediate recovery
phase: intensive nursing care provided. 2) less intensive care: patient prepa
...
Postoperative nursing management, the
PACU (exam #2)
What are the 3 phases of recovery that occur in the PACU? - ANS - 1)Immediate recovery
phase: intensive nursing care provided. 2) less intensive care: patient prepared for self care in
PACU or transfer to an inpatient unit or outpatient unit. 3) exntended care/observation unit:
patient prepared for discharge.
What specific information does the OR nurse give the PACU nurse? - ANS - overall tolerance,
type of surgery, type of anesthetics, results, complications, I&O's.
What should the nurse remember about the patient psychological equilibrium in the PACU? -
ANS - speak calmly, orient, quiet atmosphere body alignment, explain, remember hearing is last
to go.
What are the PACU nurse's priority of concerns when the patient arrives from the OR? - ANS -
assessment: VS, respiratory status, color, fluid intake, special equipment, dressing. Positioning of
the head to side or lateral sims.
What respiratory functions is the nurse responsible for managing? - ANS - airway until gag
reflex is ok. position, suction, cough/deep breathe, O2, mechanical support, check breath sounds,
prevent aspirations.
What does the PACU nurse monitor regarding fluid status? - ANS - blood loss, IV rate, outputs,
bladder distention, electrolyte, hydration, character of drainage, NG tube, N&V.
What does the nurse assess on the incisional site? - ANS - drainage, record output from drains.
when can the client leave the PACU? - ANS - VS ok, awake, dressings ok, airway ok.
What are signs of a pulmonary embolism postoperatively? - ANS - chest pain, dyspnea, increase
resp. rate, tachycardia, increased anxiety, diaphoresis, decreased orientation, decreased BP,
blood gas changes.
What are post op complications regarding the urinary system? - ANS - urinary retention, unable
to void 8-10 hrs post op, palpable bladder, frequent small amount of voiding, pain suprapubic
area.
What are signs of hypovolemic shock postoperatively? - ANS - decrease urine, decrease BP,
weak pulse, cool clammy, restless, increase bleeding, increase thirst, decrease cvp.
What signs of Atelectasis postoperatively? - ANS - dyspnea, tachypnea, decrease breath sounds,
asymmetrical chest movement, tachycardia, increase restlessness.
What are signs of pneumonia postoperatively? - ANS - rapid respirations, shallow respirations,
fever, wet breath sounds, asymmetrical chest movements, productive cough, hypoxia,
tachycardia, leukocytosis.
What are signs of infection postoperatively? - ANS - redness purulent drainage, fever,
tachycardia, leukocytosis.
What does dehiscence mean? - ANS - separation of incision.
what does evisceration mean? - ANS - evidence of bowel through incision. increase pain level
What is gastric dilation? - ANS - nausea & vomiting, abd distention.
what is a paralytic ileus postoperatively? - ANS - decrease bowel sounds, no stool or flatus,
nausea, vomiting, abd distention, abd tenderness.
When can you remove the oral airway? - ANS - when gag reflex returns
[Show More]