8.6. Patient monitoring during surgery: Maintaining patient safety during surgery

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Patient monitoring during surgery is a fundamental part of nursing work in the operating room. This process involves a series of activities carried out by the nursing team to ensure patient safety throughout the surgical process. From preparing for surgery to post-operative recovery, the nurse plays a crucial role in maintaining patient safety.

Monitoring begins even before surgery. During the preoperative assessment, the nurse assesses the patient's health status, confirms informed consent for the procedure, and prepares the patient for surgery. This is a crucial time to identify any health issues that may affect patient safety during surgery, such as allergies, pre-existing medical conditions, or risks of complications.

Once surgery begins, patient monitoring continues. The nurse constantly monitors the patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. Any change in these signs could indicate a complication and requires immediate intervention. In addition, the nurse also monitors the patient's response to anesthesia and the surgical procedure itself.

Another crucial part of patient monitoring during surgery is maintaining the sterility of the surgical field. The nurse is responsible for ensuring that all instruments and materials used in surgery are sterilized and that the surgical field remains free of contamination. This is essential to prevent post-operative infections, which can be dangerous for the patient.

In addition, the nurse is also responsible for monitoring the administration of medications during surgery. This includes ensuring that the patient receives the correct dose of anesthetics and other medications, monitoring the patient's response to these medications, and intervening if adverse reactions occur. The nurse must also be prepared to administer emergency medication if necessary.

After surgery, the nurse continues to monitor the patient during recovery. This includes monitoring the patient's vital signs, assessing pain and discomfort, monitoring the healing of the surgical incision, and watching for any signs of complications. The nurse is also responsible for educating the patient and family about post-operative care and ensuring they understand discharge instructions.

In summary, patient monitoring during surgery is an essential part of nursing in the OR. By closely monitoring the patient's health status, nursing staff can quickly identify and respond to any complications, thereby ensuring patient safety throughout the surgical process.

This e-book course will provide a comprehensive overview of this crucial nursing role, providing detailed information on the various monitoring activities and how they contribute to patient safety. With this knowledge, nurses will be better equipped to provide safe and effective care to their patients in the OR.

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158.7. Patient monitoring during surgery: Anesthesia administration and monitoring