Immediate Post-Operative Care of a Patient

Procedure

1. Receive the handover from the theatre or recovery nurse: procedure, anaesthetic, blood loss, drugs, drains and instructions.
2. Transfer the patient onto the prepared operation bed and position them to protect the airway.
3. Assess airway, breathing and circulation first, and give oxygen as prescribed.
4. Record observations every 15 minutes for the first hour, then reduce the frequency as the patient stabilises.
5. Assess conscious level and orientation, and keep the patient warm.
6. Inspect the wound and dressing for bleeding, and mark any strike-through to monitor progression.
7. Check and record drains, catheters, infusions and the cannula site, and start the fluid balance chart.
8. Assess pain regularly with a scale and give prescribed analgesia before pain becomes severe.
9. Observe for nausea and vomiting and keep a receiver and suction ready.
10. Report at once: falling blood pressure, rising pulse, low urine output, heavy bleeding or difficulty breathing.
11. Encourage deep breathing, leg exercises and early mobilisation once the patient is stable, and document everything.