This document outlines post-operative care for patients. It discusses the phases of care in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), including phase I where intensive nursing care is needed to monitor for complications, and phase II where patients require less observation. The document also describes the nursing management of post-op patients, which involves closely monitoring vitals, maintaining intravenous fluids and intake/output, relieving pain and anxiety, and providing patient education before discharge. The overall goal of post-operative care is to enable a safe and fast recovery for patients.

1. POST OPERATIVE CARE
Keshav Kumar Panwar [Group 9]
1st Year 2nd Semester
Kursk State Medical university

2. INTRODUCTION
The post operative
period begins from
the time the patient
leaves the
operating room
and ends with the
follow up visit by
the surgeon.

3. PURPOSES
• To enable a successful and faster
recovery of the patient post
operatively.
• To reduce post operative mortality
rate.
• To reduce the length of hospital stay of
the patient.
• To provide quality care service.
• To reduce hospital and patient cost
during post operative period.

4. SCOPE
All the patients who undergoing surgery
Responsibility And Authority
Registered Nurse

5. POST OPERATIVE CARE UNIT
OR
POST ANESTHETIC CARE UNIT
• Patients still under anesthesia or
recovering from anesthesia are
placed in the unit for observation
by highly skilled
nurses,anesthetist and surgeon.
• PACU should be sound proof, painted in
soft colour, isolated and these features
will help the patient to reduce anxiety
and promote comfort.

6. PHASES OF POST OP UNIT
Two phases-
 Phase I
 Phase II

7. Phase I
It is the immediate recovery phase and requires
intensive nursing care
To detect early signs of complication.
 Receive a complete patient record from the
operating room which to plan post operative
care.
 It is designated for care of surgical patient
immediately after surgery and patient
requiring close monitoring.

8. Phase II
❖ Care of the surgical patient who has been
transferred from the Phase I post op unit.
❖ Patient requiring less observation and less
nursing care than Phase I
❖ This phase is also known as Step down
or progressive care unit.

9. NURSING MANAGEMENT IN POST
OP UNIT
To provide care until the
patient has recovered
from the effect of
anesthesia.
Assessing the patient
 Monitor vitals-pulse
volume and regularity,
depth and nature of
respiration.
 Assessment of patient’s
O2 saturation.
 Skin colour.

10. KEEP MONITORING VITALS

11. Check the level of consciousness.
Ability to respond to commands.

12. MAINTAIN INTAKE AND
OUTPUT

13. Protect airway
 By proper
positioning of
patient’s head.
 By clearing
airway.
 Oxygen therapy.
Pharyngeal obstruction
can occur when the
patient lies on the
back as there are
chances for tongue to
fall back.

14. Maintaining IV Stability
• Replacement of
fluids.(colloids and
crystalloids)
• Keep the patient warm.
• Monitor intake and
output balance.
• Monitor the vitals
continuously with the
patient condition.

15. KEEP THE PATIENT WARM

16. Relieving pain +Anxiety
• Administer opioid analgesia as per Doctor’s order.
• Epidural analgesia.
• Psychological support to relieve fear + To give
support.

17. Controlling Nausea+Vomitting
 These are common
problem in post
operative period.
 Medication can be
administered as per
doctor’s order.
Example:
Inj Metaclopramide
Inj Ondansetron

18. Check list of postoperative care

19. Teaching, Patient Self Care
• Expected out comes
• Immediate post
operative changes
• Written instructions
like-
Wound care,
Activity + dietary,
recommendation
Medications