Medical Surgical Nursing I
Postoperative Care
The comprehensive nursing management of a patient immediately following a surgical procedure to prevent complications.
Immediate Priorities
- Maintain patent airway
- Monitor vital signs every 15 minutes initially
- Assess level of consciousness
- Check surgical dressings for drainage
Complication Prevention
- Incentive spirometry for atelectasis prevention
- Early ambulation to prevent DVT
- Pain management protocol
- Monitor for urinary retention
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