Dear Nurses

Thursday, January 26, 2012

THE SURGICAL PATIENT

Updated 7/25


PACU ( Post Anesthesia Care Unit)

Following surgical intervention, a patient is transferred
to an area known as PACU. . Upon arrival, a nurse will
 reorient the patient to his surroundings and do an
 assessment. 

The nurse will also follow MD orders regarding: 
- monitoring vital signs and oxygen saturation,
- administer pain medication, replace IV fluids,
- check dressings at surgical sites for bleeding 
- check drainage tubes and carry out any other


Paralytic ileus is a postoperative complication.
It may occur in any post surgical patient. It is
caused by anesthetics.

Absent bowel sounds, abdominal pain and distention
are signs of an ileus. It is important to check for bowel
sounds in the postoperative period.

Documentation is also important. If there are no bowel
sounds, MD should be notified for further orders.The
doctor orders tests such as X-Ray and CT scan  to confirm
diagnosis. Insertion of a nasogastric tube is also ordered by MD .



DKA may lead to dehydration. Learn more : DKA

The trauma patient is at risk for dehydration.
Learn more :Trauma

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