Initial Post op assessment care: Perioperative PowerPoint, slide 50

• Retention-What would the nurse do first if the patient hasn’t voided in 9 hours post op? Least

invasive to most invasive? Bladder scan, insert straight cath.

Roles of an unlicensed assistive personnel: Perioperative powerpoint slide 47

• What can the Unlicensed Healthcare Worker assist with?

Reinforce teaching, take vital signs, assist with meals

Safety considerations in regard to opiates and benzodiazepines Perioperative slide 25

• Benzodiazepines, sometimes called "benzos", are a class of psychoactive drugs. act as a sedative

– slowing down the body's functions – and are used for both sleeping problems and anxiety. They

work by increasing the effect of a brain chemical called GABA

• Benzodiazepines include: lorazepam, alprazolam, diazepam, clonazepam

• Side effects of benzos: drowsiness, memory problems, slurred speech, confusion, unsteadiness

and may fall.

• The short-term use of these medications is usually safe and effective, but long-term use can lead

to tolerance, dependence, and other adverse effects.

• When giving opioids: monitor decreased respirations. Opioids may decrease the patient’s cough

reflex. It is important to have the patient turn, cough, and deep breath regularly to prevent

atelectasis. Give opioid drug at least 30-60 minutes prior to activities or painful procedures.

Malignant Hyperthermia: Perioperative power point, slide 39.

• Malignant hyperthermia: is a rare metabolic disorder, hyperthermia with rigidity of skeletal

muscles. Autosomal dominant trait.

• Inherited hyper-metabolism of skeletal muscle resulting in altered control of intracellular calcium

• Often occurs with exposure to succinylcholine, especially in conjunction with inhalation agents

• Usually occurs under general anesthesia but may also occur in recovery

• Signs: Tachycardia, Tachypnea, Hypercarbia, Ventricular dysrhythmias, hyperkalemia,

• Rise in body temperature NOT an early sign

• If not treated: can cause rhabdomyolysis, can result in cardiac arrest, organ failure and death

• Dantrolene for reversal

• Body temp of 105 or greater

• Be aware of previous family history of Malignant Hyperthermia report to doctors

Normal lab values for CBC: Perioperative powerpoint slide 12

• RBC male: 4.7 -6.1 million

• RBC female: 4.2 – 5.4 million

• hemoglobin: oxygen-carrying protein

• hematocrit: percentage of red blood cells in your blood

• Hemoglobin Male: 13-18 g/dl