Chapter 16: Perioperative care
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Evidence‐based approaches
Principles of care
Although different surgical procedures require specific and specialist nursing care, the principles of post‐operative care remain the same, underpinned by the application of evidence‐based care. Optimal management of patients throughout the post‐operative phase requires appropriate clinical assessment and monitoring, and timely and accurate documentation. The nursing care given during the post‐operative period is directed towards the prevention of complications that may arise from surgery and anaesthesia. Potential complications are outlined in Figure 16.38.
Figure 16.38 Potential post‐operative complications.
Anticipated patient outcomes
The patient's safety will be maintained at all times and post‐operative complications will be minimized by:
- Delivering the required nursing care for post‐operative patients: this includes fully informing the patient of the post‐operative care requirements so that they can enhance their recovery, facilitating earlier discharge home.
- Optimizing the patient's post‐operative physical and psychological condition to minimize the risk of post‐operative complications occurring: this is achieved through comprehensive nursing assessment and planning to ensure early identification and management of any post‐operative complications.
