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140 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
(def)

the art and science of treating diseases, injuries, and deformities by operation and instrumentation
surgery
(def)

determination of the presence and/or extent of pathology
diagnosis
(def)

alleviation of symptoms without cure
palliation
Removing a mole before it becomes malignant or removal of the colon in a patient with familial polyposis to prevent cancer are examples of what?
prevention
(def)

surgical examination to determine the nature or extent of a disease
exploration
Suffix meaning excision or removal?
-ectomy
Suffix meaning destruction of?
-lysis
Suffix meaning repair or suture of?
-orrhaphy
Suffix meaning looking into?
- oscopy
Suffix meaning creation of opening into?
- ostomy
Suffix meaning cutting into or incision of?
-otomy
Suffix meaning repair or reconstruction of?
-plasty
(def)

surgery that it performed on the same day of admission and does not require an overnight stay at the hospital
ambulatory surgery
Many ambulatory surgeries involve the use of _________ techniques.
endoscopic
If a surgery is classified as urgent, it must be done within ___ - ___ hours.
24-30
What are the 4 primary purposes of the preoperative interview?
1. obtain health information
2. determine the patient's expectations about surgery and anesthesia
3. provide and clarify information
4. assess the patient's emotional state and readiness for surgery
What is the overall goal of the preoperative assessment?
- to gather data in order to identify risk factors and plan care to ensure patient safety throughout the surgical experience
What is the purpose of determining the psychological status of the patient during the preoperative nursing assessment?
- to reinforce the use of coping strategies during the surgical experience
What is the purpose of determining physiological status of the patient during the preoperative nursing assessment?
- to look for factors that are directly or indirectly related to the surgical procedure that may contribute to operative risk factors
What is the purpose of obtaining baseline data during the preoperative nursing assessment?
- for comparison in the intraoperative and postoperative period
When does the nurse identify and document the surgical site/side on which the surgical procedure will be performed?
during the preoperative assessment
What medications should be identified and documented during the preoperative assessment? What is the purpose of this?
- prescription, OTC, and herbs
- to identify if they may affect the surgical outcome
What must the nurse do re: lab and diagnostic tests during the preoperative assessment?
- confirm that they are documented in the patient's record
- confirm that they are communicated to the appropriate personnel
At what point should the nurse identify any cultural or ethical factors that may affect the surgical experience?
during the preoperative assessment
Who is required to obtain informed consent from the patient?
The MD is responsible for receiving informed consent
Does the nurse have any responsibilities regarding informed consent?
- determine if the patient has adequate information to make an informed decision
- ensure that the form is signed and witnessed
The psychologic and physiologic reactions to a surgical procedure and anesthesia elicit what response from the patient?
the stress response which enables the body to prepare to meet the demands in the perioperative period
What might happen if the patient's stressors/response to stressors are excessive?
the stress response can be magnified and recovery can be affected
Why is it important that the nurse be aware of a patient's perceived and actual stressors?
b/c it allows the nurse to provide support and the needed information during the preoperative period so that the stress will not become distress
What are the 3 most common psychological factors that a nurse will address when dealing with perioperative patients?
- anxiety
- fear
- hope
While a mild amount of anxiety is expected when facing surgery, patients with an extremely high level of stress will have diminished abilities with what 3 things?
- cognitive function
- decision making
- coping abilities
What can the nurse do to help a patient who is experiencing anxiety due to a lack of knowledge, unrealistic expectations, or fear regarding the procedure?
- provide information about what can be expected
- inform the surgeon if the patient needs additional information or if his/her anxiety seems extreme
Cultural and religious issues may often conflict with surgical interventions. In particular, the nurse and surgical staff should specifically inquire about what?
the patient's views on blood transfusions
How should a nurse deal with a patient who is experiencing a strong fear of death?
- talk with the patient re: these feelings
- if the fear of death is overwhelmingly strong, the nurse should inform the physician. The physician may opt to delay the surgery b/c the stress may alter the surgical outcome
A patient confides that he has a great fear of pain related to an upcoming surgery. What are some things the nurse can do to help this patient?
Fear of pain and discomfort related to surgery is universal.
- If the fear appears extreme, the nurse should notify the anesthesia care provider (ACP) so that appropriate medications can be given
- encourage the patient to communicate with the ACP about his concerns
- reassure the patient that drugs are available for both anesthesia and analgesia during surgery
- encourage patient to ask for pain medication IF pain is present after surgery
- notify the patient that the medications given during surgery cause temporary memory loss
What are 5 common fears that patients have regarding surgery?
1. Fear of Death
2. Fear of Pain and Discomfort
3. Fear of Mutilation or Alteration in Body Image
4. Fear of Anesthesia
5. Fear of disruption of Life functioning
What should the nurse do if the patient confides a fear of anesthesia preoperatively?
- inform the ACP so that he or she can talk further with the patient
- reassure the patient that both the nurse and ACP will be present at all times during surgery
A nurse is assessing a patient who confides that she is having extreme fear and anxiety about the financial strain her surgery and sickness has put on her family. What types of consultations may help this patient?
- social worker
- spiritual or cultural advisor
- psychologist
- hospital financial advisors
- **family members can prove valuable in assisting and resolving patient fears
Although many psychologic factors related to surgery seem to be negative, hope stands out as a positive attribute. What is the nurse's role when a patient has great hope regarding a surgery?
- assess and support the presence of hope and anticipation of the positive results the patient is expecting
What specific information should be obtained from the patient regarding past health history? (5)
- past hospitalizations
- previous surgeries
- reproductive functioning
- possible inherited conditions
- adverse reactions/problems with anesthesia
Why is it important to assess reproductive functioning when obtaining health history?
- b/c if the patient states that she might be pregnant, exposure to anesthesia during the first trimester can be avoided
A nurse is obtaining a health history on a 14 year old female with her parents in the room. When the nurse asks about the date of her last menstrual period, the girl states she cannot remember. When asked if there is any possibility of pregnancy, the girl becomes anxious and nervous, however states that there is no chance she is pregnant. What should the nurse do?
- the nurse can wait until the parents are no longer in the room and revisit the questions

(have the MD order a pregnancy test?)
What is malignant hyperthermia?
a genetic condition that causes severe reactions, including death, when a person is placed under anesthesia
What are 4 things that should be documented when obtaining medication information from the patient?
- current medication use
- herbal or dietary supplements
- recreational drug use
- and abuse/addictions, including alcohol
Antihypertensive drugs may predispose a patient to _______ due to the combined effect of the drug and the vasodilation effect of some anesthesias.
shock
True/false:

Insulin and some hypoglycemic agents may require dose adjustments during the perioperative phase.
True- increased metabolism, decreased caloric intake, stress and anesthesia all contribute to this
What is the difference between drug intolerance and drug allergies?
drug intolerance= side effects that are uncomfortable or unpleasant but not life threatening
drug allergy= anaphylactic reaction
What is placed on the patient to notify the surgical staff of any drug intolerances or allergies?
an allergy wristband is put on the patient the day of surgery
In addition to drug allergies, the nurse should inquire about allergies to what additional 4 things?
- food
- chemicals
- pollen
- latex
During the preoperative review of systems, CV function is evaluated to confirm what?
- the presence of any preexisting disease or existing problems so that CV functioning can be monitored during and after surgery
What information needs to be listed if a patient is (or has been) under the care of a cardiologist?
- type of condition
- treatment/medications for the condition
- level of maintenance and functioning
- cardiologist's information
During the preoperative review of systems, the nurse discovers that a patient has had a recent MI. What impact does this have on surgical plans?
a cardiologist needs to be consulted before surgery
The patient's heart will be monitored continuously during surgery, and possibly after. The vital signs that are used as a baseline for this monitoring are obtained when?
during the preoperative assessment
A patient who receives digitalis therapy will have what specific lab drawn preoperatively?
serum potassium levels
A patient with a history of HTN may receive what type of drug during surgery to assist in maintaining BP?
a vasoactive drug (likely titrated to maintain optimal BP)
What type of drug may be given to a patient who has a history of congenital, rheumatic, or valvular heart disease? why?
- antibiotic prophylaxis may be given before surgery to decrease the risk of bacterial endocarditis
A patient with an upper respiratory infection is at a higher risk of what complications r/t surgery? (4)
- bronchospasm
- laryngospasm
- decreased O2 saturation
- problems with respiratory secretions
True/False:

A patient with an upper respiratory infection may have an elective surgery postponed until the infection has cleared.
True
What type of respiratory issues should be documented by the nurse, as well as reported to the ACP and surgeon?
- history of dyspnea
- coughing
- hemoptysis
- asthma/COPD
A patient tells the preoperative nurse that he has a history of asthma. What type of information should the nurse inquire about specific to this disorder?
- used of inhaled or oral corticosteroids and bronchodilators
- frequency of attacks
- triggers
A 65 year old female has a history of COPD. The nurse understands that this patient is at a higher risk for postoperative pulmonary complications. List 2 examples of these complications.
- hypoxemia
- atelectasis
A patient who smokes should be encouraged to stop at least ___ weeks preoperatively.
6
When assessing the respiratory system preoperatively, what type of physical conditions should be noted and reported? (2)
- obesity
- spinal, chest, or airway disorders
The nurse is assessing a patient's respiratory system, and documents a history of asthma and smoking. The patient also reports a history of SOB and coughing. What 2 tests does the nurse anticipate the doctor will order preoperatively.
- baseline pulmonary function test
- ABGs
Preoperative evaluation of neurologic functioning includes assessing what 3 things?
- ability to respond to questions
- ability to follow commands
- ability to maintain orderly thought patterns
The patient's ability to pay attention, concentrate, and respond appropriately must be documented in the preoperative phase to establish what?
- a baseline for postoperative comparison
The nurse is conducting a preoperative neurological assessment on an 85 year old male. Upon assessment, the nurse notes that the patient is having difficulty understanding/responding to the questions that are being asked. What is the nurse's next action?
Ensure that the patient's hearing and vision are intact.
During a neurological assessment, the nurse detects deficits in cognitive functioning. After further review, it is noted that this deficit cannot be corrected. What is the nurse's next action?
- ensure that a guardian or person with durable power of attorney for health care be involved to assist the patient and provide informed consent for surgery
The older adult may have intact mental abilities, but be more prone to adverse reactions to additional stressors. What are examples of these stressors? (5)
- the surgical procedure itself
- dehydration
- hypothermia
- anesthesia
- adjunctive medications
Older patients undergoing surgery are at a greater risk of the development of _______ _______, a condition that may be falsely labeled as senility or dementia.
postoperative delirium
What are examples of diseases/disorders that the nurse should inquire about when doing a preoperative neurological assessment?
- strokes
- TIAs
- spinal cord injuries
- myasthenia gravis
- Parkinson's disease
- multiple sclerosis

(important to document any treatments as well)
What are 3 examples of kidney related diseases/disorders that should be relayed to the nurse during the preoperative assessment?
- glomerulonephritis
- chronic kidney disease
- repeated UTIs
What are 4 problems associated with Renal dysfunction?
- F&E imbalances
- Coagulopathies
- increased risk of infection
- impaired would healing
How does a decrease in renal function affect a patient's response to drugs?
the patient may have an altered response to the drug and unpredictable drug elimination
The nurse is completing a urinary system assessment on a preoperative patient. The nurse anticipates that what 2 common renal function tests will be ordered and recorded before surgery?
- serum creatinine
- BUN
List 5 functions of the liver.
1. glucose homeostasis
2. fat metabolism
3. protein synthesis
4. drug and hormone metabolism
5. bilirubin formation and excretion
The patient with hepatic dysfunction may have a perioperative risk for what 2 things?
- clotting abnormalities
- adverse responses to medications
The nurse should consider the presence of liver disease if there is a history of what 3 things?
1. jaundice
2. hepatitis
3. alcohol abuse
During the preoperative assessment, the skin should be observed for what? (4)
- rashes
- boils
- ulcers
- other dermatologic conditions

(pay special attention to the area where the incision will be made)
A patient with a history of pressure ulcers may require what special adaptation to surgery?
extra padding
What types of musculoskeletal and mobility problems should be noted?
- arthritis (all affected joints)
- chronic pain
- spinal problems
True/False:

Frequently, post-operative pain is due to chronic musculoskeletal pain and positioning during surgery, rather than acute pain of the surgical procedure.
True
The nurse is doing a preoperative assessment on a 58 year old female with diabetes mellitus. The nurse knows that this patient is especially at risk for what complications? (6)
1. adverse effects of anesthesia and surgery
2. hypo/hyperglycemia
3. ketosis
4. cardiovascular alterations
5. delayed wound healing
6. infection
The nurse is assessing a perioperative patient with diabetes mellitus. The nurse anticipates that what test will be ordered on the morning of the surgery?
Serum glucose test (to determine baseline levels)
True/False:

A patient with diabetes mellitus should not take their usual dose of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent on the day of surgery.
False- this is determined by the surgeon or ACP. The dose could be allowed, withheld, or even adjusted based on the patient's current status and history.
A patient with diabetes mellitus will be undergoing surgery. How is this person's glucose levels managed during/after surgery?
levels are drawn periodically and managed with regular insulin
Either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can place the patient at surgical risk because of alterations in what?
metabolic rate
What are 2 special considerations re: surgery for the patient with Addison's disease?
1. Addisonian crisis or shock can occur if the patient abruptly stops taking replacement corticosteroids
2. additional IV corticosteroids may be required due to the stress of surgery
What information regarding the immune system must be documented during the preoperative assessment? (3)
- history of a compromised immune system
- any diseases/disorders related to the immune system
- any immunosuppressive drugs that the patient is taking
The nurse is performing a preoperative assessment on a 34 year old woman who is scheduled for a tubal ligation. The patient informs the nurse that she has just been diagnosed with and begun treatment for an upper respiratory infection. What impact does this information have on the impending surgery?
Since this is an elective surgery, it will likely be canceled and rescheduled once the infection has cleared.
An impairment in the immune system can lead to what 2 problems related to surgery?
- delayed wound healing
- increased risk for postoperative infections
What are 3 examples of conditions that increase the risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalances?
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- difficulty swallowing
Although F&E history is important for all patients, it is especially critical for the older adult. Why?
- b/c the reduced adaptive capacity of the older adult leaves a narrow margin of safety between overhydration and underhydration in the older adult
The nurse is performing a preoperative assessment on a 68 year old male with a history of renal disease. The patient is on a daily diuretic. What test regarding Fluid and Electrolyte status does the nurse anticipate the doctor will order?
Serum electrolyte level
What modifications to surgery and special considerations should be made for a patient who is obese? (4)
- larger operating bed
- longer instruments
- predisposure to wound dehiscence, wound infection, and incisional herniation postoperatively
- slower to recover from anesthesia b/c the medication is stored by adipose tissue
Nutritional deficiencies of proteins and vitamins A, C, and B complex present what problem?
wound healing b/c these are essential substances
The nurse is assessing a 58 year old female preoperatively who is scheduled for a surgery that is estimated to take 8-10 hours. The client is 5'6" tall and weighs 110 lbs. All tests indicate that the patient is in good health despite being underweight. The nurse notifies the perioperative team that what additional measure should be taken during surgery?
additional padding on the operating bed to prevent the development of pressure ulcers
True/False:

Caffeinated beverages are not given to a postoperative patient.
False- certain patients (those who intake high levels of caffeine) are often given caffeinated beverages to prevent withdrawal headaches
The physical examination and findings from the patient's history will enable the ACP to assign the patient what?
a physical status rating for anesthesia administration
What Anesthesia Physical Class rating?

A normal healthy person
P1
What Anesthesia Physical Class rating?

A patient with mild systemic disease
P2
What Anesthesia Physical Class rating?

A patient with severe systemic disease
P3
What Anesthesia Physical Class rating?

a patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life
P4
What Anesthesia Physical Class rating?

a moribund patient who is not expected to survive without surgery
P5
What Anesthesia Physical Class rating?

a declared brain-dead patient whose organs are being removed for donor purposes
P6
What lab test does the nurse anticipate will be ordered for a patient on an aspirin therapy regimen?
a coagulation profile
What lab test does the nurse anticipate will be ordered for a patient on Lasix?
a potassium level
What test might be ordered preoperatively for a patient taking medications for dysrhythmias?
ECG
A common preoperative test used to assess renal status, hydration, UTI?
urinalysis
A common preoperative test used to assess for pulmonary disorders and cardiac enlargement?
Chest X-ray
A common preoperative test used to assess for anemia, immune status, and infection?
Blood studies (RBC, Hb, Hct, WBC, WBC differential)
A common preoperative test used to assess metabolic status, renal function, and diuretic side effects?
electrolytes
A common preoperative test used to assess for pulmonary and metabolic function?
ABGs and oximetry
A common preoperative test used to assess for bleeding tendencies?
PT, PTT, INR, platelet count
A common preoperative test used to assess metabolic status and diabetes mellitus?
blood glucose
A common preoperative test used to assess renal function?
BUN and creatinine
A common preoperative test used to assess nutritional status?
serum albumin
A common preoperative test used to assess cardiac disease and electrolyte abnormalities?
ECG
A common preoperative test used to assess pulmonary status?
pulmonary function studies
A common preoperative test used to assess liver function?
liver function tests
A common preoperative test used to prepare blood for availability in the event a replacement is needed?
type and crossmatch
A common preoperative test used to assess for pregnancy?
hCG
Generally, preoperative teaching concerns what 3 types of information?
- sensory
- process
- procedural
With sensory information, patients want to know what type of information?
what they will see, hear, smell and feel during the surgery
With process information, patients want to know what type of information?
the general flow of what is going to happen
With procedural information, patients want to know what type of information?
specific, detailed information regarding their surgery, including procedures and protocols
True/False:

All teaching should be documented in the patient's medical record.
True
When giving a patient general surgery information, it is important that ALL patients receive information about what 3 postoperative techniques?
- deep breathing
- coughing
- moving

**teach how and the rationale behind each, encourage practice prior to surgery**
What is the current evidence-based practice on patients having fluids prior to surgery? Does this apply to all patients / all institutions?
- Clear liquids up to 2 hours before surgery have shown no increase in implications for patients not at risk for regurgitation/aspiration

- each agency continues it's own protocol on NPO prior to surgery

- NPO orders should be individualized for each patient
What 3 conditions must be met for informed consent to be valid?
1. adequate disclosure (diagnosis, options, purpose of treatment, risks and consequences)
2. patient must understand and comprehend the information being provided
3. consent must be voluntary
True/False:

In an emergency situation, if the patient is unable to give consent and the next of kin cannot be reached, the physician may institute treatment without written consent.
True
Benzodiazepines and barbiturates are given preoperatively for what purpose?
for their sedative and amnesic properties
Anticholinergics are given preoperatively for what purpose?
to reduce secretions
Opiods may be given preoperatively for what purpose?
to decrease intraoperative anesthetic requirements
Antiemetics may be given preoperatively for what purpose?
to decrease nausea and vomiting
The nurse is caring for a 68 year old male with a history of valvular heart disease. The nurse anticipates that the physician will order what additional medication preoperatively due to this patient's history? Why?
antibiotics- used to prevent the development of infective endocarditis
Unless otherwise stated, PO medications are given ____ to ____ minutes before arrival to the OR.
60-90
Unless otherwise stated, SQ and IM injections are given ____ to ____ minutes before arrival to the OR.
30-60
What information should the nurse be aware of regarding the older adult and surgery? (5)
- Generally, the older the patient, the greater the risks of postoperative complications
- Sensory deficits (be alert to vision and/or hearing problems)
- Family support
- Multiple doctors and/or agencies to coordinate care
- Perceived or actual loss because of the surgical procedure
What information should the nurse be aware of regarding cultural/ethnic differences and surgery? (3)
- cultural attitudes towards pain, family, roles
- family inclusion in decision making
- interpreter may be needed