Patient monitoring during surgery is one of the most essential and critical functions of the nursing staff in the OR. This process involves a series of tasks and responsibilities aimed at ensuring the patient's safety and well-being throughout the surgical procedure.
First of all, it is important to note that monitoring begins long before surgery begins. The nursing staff is responsible for performing a comprehensive preoperative assessment, which includes gathering information about the patient's medical history, current condition, current medications, allergies, and other factors that may affect the outcome of the surgery. This assessment helps the team properly plan and prepare for the operation.
Once surgery begins, patient monitoring becomes even more intense. The circulating nurse, a crucial function in the OR, is responsible for monitoring the patient's condition continuously during surgery. She should closely observe the patient's vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature, and report any changes to the surgical team. In addition, the circulating nurse must monitor the sterility of the surgical field and ensure that all infection control practices are followed.
Monitoring also involves assessing the patient's pain and discomfort. Even if the patient is under anesthesia, the nursing team must be attentive to any signs of pain or discomfort. This can include changes in vital signs, physical movements or facial expressions. If pain or discomfort is detected, the team must take immediate action to alleviate the patient's suffering.
Another important part of monitoring during surgery is documentation. Nursing staff should record all patient observations, interventions, and responses in a medical record. This documentation serves as a permanent record of the patient's care and may be useful for future reference or in case of any complication or legal dispute.
In addition, patient monitoring during surgery also involves constant communication with the surgical team. Nursing staff should promptly inform the surgical team of any changes in the patient's condition or any problems that may arise. This effective communication is crucial to ensuring the surgical team can respond quickly and take the necessary steps to ensure patient safety.
Finally, after surgery, the nursing staff continues to monitor the patient during the recovery period. They should watch closely for any signs of complications such as bleeding, infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, or pain. In addition, nursing staff must help the patient recover from anesthesia and provide comfort care, such as administering pain medication and helping the patient move or stand up.
In short, patient monitoring during surgery is a vital function of the nursing staff in the OR. It requires constant attention, keen clinical skills and excellent communication skills. By performing this role effectively, the nursing staff can help ensure that the patient has the best possible outcome and that the surgery is performed safely and effectively.
