OR ExperienceBY: Diana Blum RN MSNMetro Community College

Preoperative•Begins with the scheduling of procedure•Ends at time of transfer to surgical suite•Places emphasis on safety and client

education▫The client’s readiness is critical to the outcome▫Includes education and intervention to reduce

anxiety and complications, and to promote cooperation

•Communication and collaboration with the surgical team is essential to reach desired outcome

•http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of-y32jBZl4

Procedures

•Categorized by:▫Reason for procedure▫Urgency of the procedure▫Degree of risk▫Anatomic location

GUIDELINES ON P.587

Types of Surgery•Cosmetic •Palliative•Reconstructive•Elective•Urgent•Emergent•Curative•Exploratory•Diagnostic

Surgical Areas•Preoperative holding area

▫Quiet, calm transition▫Equipment includes: 02, EKG machine, BP

cuff, code cart▫RN verifies that all relevant tests and

documentation are completed prior to surgery

▫Abnormals reported to MD▫Confirm NPO status

ASSESSMENT•Preoperative health evaluation

▫30 days before surgery, must be documented, clears pt for surgery

•Pre op history and physical exam▫Done by anesthesia provider▫ASA classification, done with any type of

sedation (pg 589)

Risk Factors•Elderly•Obesity•Diabetes•Heart conditions•Renal failure

Assessment • History

▫ Age, drug/ETOH use, meds, alternative meds, medical hx, surgery hx, anesthesia experiences, blood donations, allergies, family hx, type of surgery planned, education recv’d about perioperative period, support system

• Physical▫ important to obtain baseline assessment, complete vitals,

report abnormal findings to doctor• Psychosocial

▫ Looks at anxiety level, coping ability, and support system▫ Anxiety and fear may influence the amount and type of

anesthesia and affect ability to learn, cope, and cooperate• Laboratory

▫ Provides a baseline for the client▫ Helps predict potential complications

• Radiographic▫ Provides baseline and looks at size & shape of heart and lungs

• Diagnostics▫ EKG- used as baseline. Looks for old MI, or other

complications that could postpone surgery

Question

•Which diuretic can cause problems in surgery?▫A. lasix▫B. hydrochlorothiazide▫C. valium▫D. benadryl

•Lasix and hydrochlorothiazide may cause excessive respiratory depression resulting from an associated electrolyte imbalance

Nursing Diagnosis•Disturbed sleep pattern r/t anxiety•Ineffective coping r/t impending surgery•Anticipatory grieving r/t effects of surgery•Disturbed body image r/t anticipated

changes•Powerlessness r/t health care

environment, loss of independence

Education• Doctor should explain purpose and expected

results of surgery• Consent needs to be obtained prior to surgery. (if

pt signs with an ‘X’ 2 witnesses must sign.• Client should ask questions if they don’t

understand a term or procedure• NPO requirements needs to be explained• Preoperative preparations need to be explained

(colon prep, or skin prep)• Client should understand post op exercises and

techniques prior to surgery—I.S., etc.

•Informed Consent▫must be done prior to surgery▫Procedure, risks and benefits need to be

explained to the patient by the SURGEON▫The patient must be competent to

understand information▫Consent for blood▫Consent for anesthesia is separate

Legal Responsibilities•DNR•DNI•Must be clearly documented

Surgical Prep•Bowel prep

•Skin prep-shower, hair removal (clippers)▫(see pg 610)

•Preoperative meds▫Antibiotic

Tubes, drains, vascular access• Pt must be educated prior to surgery

▫ Reduces fear• Tubes

▫ Foley- monitors renal function▫ NG-used for abd surgery to decompress the stomach

• Drains▫ Removes fluid for surgical site. ▫ CT, JP, Hemovac, Orthopat

• Vascular access▫ For anesthesia▫ For drugs and fluids

Respiratory education• Incentive spirometry

▫ Encourages clients to take deep breaths every 1-2 hours after surgery

▫ Usually 10x’s per hour or with each commercial break from a TV show

• Deep breathing▫ Sit upright, feet firm on ground, gentle breath through

mouth, exhale gently• Expansion breathing

▫ Comfortable upright position, knees slightly bent, place hands on each side just above waist

• Splinting▫ use pillow or towel and place over surgical site, take 3

deep breaths and clear then cough to loosen secretionsSee chart 18-4 for more thorough instruction

DVT risk•Obese•>40 yrs old•Have cancer•Immobile or decreased mobility•Leg fracture or trauma•History of DVT, PE, Varicose veins, or

edema•Use oral contraceptives•Smoke•Decreased cardiac outputGet them antiembolism stockings

Aka “sexy socks”

Anxiety reduction•Distraction•Promote rest•Guided imagery

Gerontological Considerations

•Go over instructions slower•Have family present•Co-existing disease increases risk•Positioning

Intra op

Nursing diagnosis

•Risk for infection•Impaired skin integrity•Altered body temperature•Anxiety•Injury related to positioning and other

hazards

Members• Surgeon

▫ heads surgical team▫ Makes decisions related to surgical procedure▫ May need assistant

• Surgical assistant (other doctor, surgical tech, resident, intern)▫ May hold retractors, suction wound, cut tissue,

suture, and dress wounds depending on scope of practice and under supervision of physician

• Anesthesia▫ Anesthesiologist or Certified Registered Nurse

Anesthestist▫ Maintains airway▫ Monitoring circulation/respiratory status▫ Replace blood/fluid loss

• OR nurses▫ Holding area nurse▫ Primary role is Circulating Nurse▫ Duties performed outside of sterile field▫ Scrub Nurse▫ Passes instruments, sponges in the sterile field▫ Perform surgical scrub▫ Very specialized role, most education is during

orientation, not in nursing school.

Surgical Areas•Operating Room

▫Restricted area▫Trend towards less invasive procedures

(less scarring, quicker recovery, decreased length of hospitalization

Basic Guidelines for Surgical Asepsis

• All materials in contact with the wound and within the sterile field must be sterile.

• Gowns are sterile in the front from chest to the level of the sterile field, and sleeves from 2 inches above the elbow to the cuff.

• Only the top of a draped table is considered sterile. • Items are dispensed by strategically to maintain

sterility.• Movements of the surgical team are from sterile to

sterile and from unsterile to sterile only.

• Movement around the sterile field must not cause contamination of the field. At least a 1-foot distance from the sterile field must be maintained.

• Whenever a sterile barrier is breached, the area is considered contaminated.

• Every sterile field is constantly maintained and monitored. Items of doubtful sterility are considered unsterile.

• Sterile fields are prepared as close as possible to time of use.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvpcGmExsd4&feature=related

Question

true or false.To maintain surgical asepsis, the nurse

knows that the sides and top of a draped table is considered sterile.

Answer

False.Rationale: Sterile drapes are used to

create a sterile field. Only the top surface of a draped table is considered sterile. During draping of a table or patient, the sterile drape is held well above the surface to be covered and is positioned from front to back.

Infection

•Anyone with open wound, cold, or any infection should not participate in surgery

•Jewelry should be minimal•Hands of surgical staff are usually

cultured every 3-6 months to determine possible nosocomial (hospital acquired) infections

Time out procedure•Nurse asks pt to confirm procedure and is

verified with consent form•Patient verifies the right site and surgeon•2 patient identifiers •Site mark•“Time out”

▫Name, procedure, site, document▫See pg. 612

Anesthesia

•http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOrjcLJ2IE0&NR=1

Anesthesia•Def: induced state of partial or total loss

of sensation, occurring with or without loss of consciousness.

•Purpose: block nerve impulse transmission, suppress reflexes, promote muscle relaxation, and sometimes achieve controlled level of unconsciousness

•Choice depends on: type and duration of procedure, area of body, safety issues, emergency, pain management after surgery, last meal or liquids or drugs

General

•Definition: reversible loss of consciousness induced by inhibiting neuronal impulses in several areas of the central nervous system▫Depress CNS

Results in analgesia (pain relief), amnesia (memory loss), and unconsciousness with loss of muscle tone and reflexes

Used in head, neck, upper torso and abd surgeries

Stages of general • 1:sedation administered

▫ Induction and LOC, decreased sensation▫ Warmth, dizziness, noises exaggerated

• 2: excitement/delirium▫ LOC and relaxation, regular breathing▫ Pupils dilate, HR increases, may need to restrain pt▫ Do not touch pt

• 3: operative anesthesia▫ Muscle relaxation, depressed vitals▫ Unconscious, maintained for hours

• 4:danger = Medullary Depression▫ Depressed vs, respiratory failure▫ Too much anesthesia, cyanosis

• Emergence: recovery from anesthesia

Types of general•Inhalation: most controllable

▫Fast acting▫Passes through vaporizer▫Depresses CNS

Ex: Nitrous Oxide

•IV: rapid and pleasant▫Induce and maintain anesthesia▫Anesthetics Opiods

Etomidate Fentanyl Valium Morphine Versed Diprivan

▫Reversal agent for opoids=Narcan (0.2mg)▫Reversal agent for Benzos =

Romazicon(0.2mg)

•Muscle relaxants▫Affect skeletal muscle▫Administered before intubation▫Assess with nerve stimulator

▫Succinylcholine, Tracrium, Vecronium▫Reversal agent= Neostigmine (0.5-2mg

•Balanced: minimal disturbance to function, used with elderly and high risk

•Regional (Spinal, Epidural, Peripheral nerve block)~ gag and cough stay intact▫block transmission of sensory impulses▫Does not depress respirations▫Local injection of med

Types of Regional Anesthesia

•Spinal▫Local anesthetic injected into subarachoid

space, directly into CSF▫“Blocks” at level of spinal cord (sensory

and motor)•Epidural

▫Local anesthetic into epidural space•Peripheral nerve block

▫Anesthesia of a certain area▫No systemic effect

Intraoperative Complications

•Nausea and vomiting•Anaphylaxis•Hypoxia and respiratory

complications•Hypothermia•Dysrhymias•Malignant hyperthermia•Disseminated intravascular

coagulation (DIC)

Malignant Hyperthermia▫Life threatening▫Predisposition is genetic

• causes increased calcium and potassium levels in skeletal muscles▫ Immediate reaction or several hours later▫ s/s: tachycardia, dysrhythmias, muscle rigidity (jaw,

face), hypotension, tachypnea, mottling, cyanosis, myoglobournia (muscle proteins in urine), *increase in CO2 and decrease sat

• Care: stop agent, intubate, give dantrium to reverse, check ABG, cooling techniques, monitor core temp, EKGs, insert foley, hydrate, ICU for at least 24 hours

• Chart 26-3

Manifestations Hypoxia Hyperthermia****THIS IS A LATE SIGN**** Dysrhythmias Hypotension

Early signs: contracture of jaw Sinus tach Increase in expiratory CO2

*Pg. 630 *

Complications continued

•Overdose: can occur if metabolism and drug elimination are slower (ht, wt, and allergies are vital to know before administration)

•Unrecognized hypoventilation: failure to exchange gases can lead to cardiac arrest, permanent brain damage, and death. Vital to use end tidal carbon dioxide monitor to confirm the exchange

Intubation complication

•Broken or chipped teeth•Swollen lip •Vocal cord trauma

Question

Malignant hyperthermia usually manifests within what time frame after induction of anesthesia?

a. 5 minutesb. 10–20 minutesc. 30 minutesd. 45 minutes

Answer

b. 10–20 minutesRationale: Malignant hyperthermia

usually manifests about 10 to 20 minutes after induction of anesthesia. It can also occur during the first 24 hours after surgery.

Local

•Numbing agent is used•Mentally alert

•Complications: potential cardiac depression, toxic reaction, edema, blurred vision, inflammation, etc. see

Types of local•Topical•Infiltration: directly into wound or lesion•Blocks:

▫Field: injections around work site (lidocaine, novocaine)

▫Nerve: injection into or around nerve in involved area-used for chronic pain relief

▫Spinal: injection of agent into CSF in the subarachnoid space-absorbed rapidly

▫Epidural: placed in epidural space-may affect breathing

Moderate (Conscious) Sedation•Moderate (Conscious) sedation

▫Minimally depressed LOC▫Pt able to maintain airway ▫Pt responds to physical and verbal stimuli

Moderate (Conscious) Sedation•As a nurse, what do you need to have

available at the bedside?

•What medications might be given?

•What monitoring/assessments?

•What types of procedures?

Potential Adverse Effects of Surgery and Anesthesia

• Allergic reactions or drug toxicity• Cardiac dysrhythmias• Over sedation or Under sedation• Trauma: laryngeal, oral, nerve, and skin,

including burns• Hypotension• Thrombosis• See Chart 19-1

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MZqB4EWlZg

Gerontologic Considerations

•Elderly patients are at increased risk for complications because of:▫Pre-existing conditions.▫Aging heart and pulmonary systems.▫Decreased homeostatic mechanisms.▫Changes in responses to drugs because of

changes such as decreased renal function, etc.

Nursing diagnosis

•Risk for injury r/t positioning•Impaired skin integrity r/t surgical

incision•Risk for infection

Important to remember• Always know client’s

wishes about life sustaining measures because they apply in the OR as well

• However some facilities/doctors require that the surgical client that is DNR on unit is full code in OR.

• Always know the allergies and reactions

• Always know current lab values because they could postpone surgery

• Know the client’ s baseline vitals to monitor for complications

• Patient identification • Correct informed consent • Verification of records of

health history and exam • Safety measures such as

grounding of equipment, restraints, and not leaving a sedated patient

• Verification and accessibility of blood

Positioning•Accommodates access•Surgical view•Maintain skin integrity (pressure ulcers)•Injury to nerves may happen•Prevent injury•Complications:

▫Compromised respiratory status, pressure ulcers, injury to nerves

Surgical positions

•Supine•Trendelenburg•Prone•Lateral •Jackknife• lithotomy

64

Bariatrics

•Deals with causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity

•First line: diet, exercise, behavior• therapy, & antiobesity drugs• BUT HAS ONLY SHORT TERM• SUCCESS IN MANY CASES

65

•Antiobesity drugs:• Orlistat (approved Feb ’07)• - reduces absorption of fat by

inhibiting pancreatic lipase• Metformin• Byetta (delays gastric emptying)

66

Bariatric Surgery

•Roux en Y: most commonly performed• - least likely to result in nutritional• deficiencies• - small bowel is divided & arranged • into a “y” and attached to the small• stomach pouch• - pt feels fullness rapidly after eating

Post op

•Starts at the completion of surgery and transfer to PACU or ICU▫Stabilize VS, maintain airway▫Prepare pt for discharge

•To work here in-depth knowledge of the following areas needed: pharm, pain management, and procedures, good assessment skills, decision maker in critical situations

Assessment • Vitals are vital

▫ Usually q15” x4, q30” x4, q1hr x4, q2hr x4, then q4hr

• Respiratory status▫ Airway

management, lung sounds, muscle use, snoring, stridor (high pitched crowing)

Monitor PAIN

• Cardio▫ Telemetry, ekgs, vitals, pulses,

homans, • Neuro

▫ LOC, motor response, orientation, arousal

• Fluid and electrolyte▫ I/O, hydration, IVF, acid base

• Renal▫ Output, urine retention is common if

no foley• Gi

▫ N/V, peristalsis, monitor for ileus, NG tube output if indicated

• Skin▫ Monitor wound, drainage, drains, dressings,

• Early infection can be indicated on increase in band cells of the WBC differential (left shift)

• Get culture• Notify MD

• Monitor ABGs and CMP

Aldrete Post Anesthesia Recovery Score (PARS)•Numerical scoring system to eval PACU

patients•Based on activity, Respirations,

Circulation, Consciousness, O2 Sats•Ranges from 0 to 10, 10 is the best•Score when arrives in PACU, every 30 min

until 8 or higher is achieved•Score also done at discharge

Nursing diagnosis

Impaired Gas Exchange•Open airway•Breathing pattern improved over baseline•Adequate O2 saturation •Provide supplemental oxygen •Artificial airway if patient is minimally

responsive •Cough deep breath, IS

Risk for Imbalanced Fluid Volume•Adequate hemostasis•Normal fluid and electrolyte balance•Monitor hourly for postop bleeding •Mark drainage on dressing, monitor for

enlargement •Monitor for possible drainage beneath

patient Monitor for internal bleeding Monitor for signs of dehydration, fluid

overload

Risk for Decreased Cardiac Output•Rhythm, cardiac output•BP, heart rate consistent with baseline•Monitor for sinus

tachycardia/bradycardia, identify and treat cause

•Monitor for hypotension; IV fluids, patient positioning

•Monitor for hypertension, identify and treat cause

Risk for Imbalanced Body Temperature: Hypothermia

Normal core temperature•Monitor for core temperature <36°C

(96.8°F), shivering, patient report of feeling cold

•Risk factors: patient history, length of surgery, cold solutions

•Blankets, clothing, ambient temp•Treat with active warming, meds

Pain•Physiological and psychological effects •Delayed ambulation, diminished

functioning•Monitor for pain management and

respiratory depression•PCA, PCEA: monitor for pain relief,

untoward effects •Monitor sensory level of the epidural

Anxiety•Can increase morbidity and mortality,

length of stay•Affects VS, depresses immune system,

delays healing•Implicated in heart problems, postop pain•Individualized care plan based on patient

preferences •Frequent reassurance about condition

and progress•Maintain a calm, quiet, restful

environment

Drains

see chart 27-6

HemovacJPPenrose

Types of wound healing

Post-Op Complications• Evisceration• Dehiscence• SSI• Atelectasis

• Pneumonia• ileus• Urinary retention• DVT

Dehiscence•Partial or complete separation of wound

layers

•Wound is open

•Prevention?

Evisceration•Complete separation of wound layers

•Protrusion of internal organs

•Usually occurs 5-10 days post-op

•Prevention?

DehiscenceEvisceration

Complications on chart 27-4

Surgical Site Infections(SSI)•Aseptic technique•Most infections are caused by exogenous

organisms •Surgical wound classification (pg. 636)•Risks:

▫Obesity, smokers, malnourishment

Atelectasis and Pneumonia•Atelectasis

▫Collapse of alveoli▫Mucus accumulates▫Leads to fever and hypoxia

•Incidence of post op pneumonia 15%•High fowlers•IS, CDB•Ambulate

Gastrointestinal•N/V•Flatus•Bowel sounds•Ileus-hypoactive bowel, delay in

peristalsis

Urinary Retention•Foley cath•Must void within 6-8hrs•Anesthesia causes relaxation, retention•May have swelling from certain

procedures

DVT•LWM- Heparin or lovonox•SCD•TEDS•Ambulation•Leg exercises