ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE:
Basic Concept
STUDENT NAME _____________________________________
Caring for a Client Who is Postoperative Following Abdominal Surgery
CONCEPT ______________________________________________________________________________
Related Content
Underlying Principles
(E.G., DELEGATION,
LEVELS OF PREVENTION,
ADVANCE DIRECTIVES)
Postoperative assessment
and care
PACU
REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER ___________
Nursing Interventions
WHO? WHEN? WHY? HOW?
Assess respiratory and pt's
airway for patency as
obstructions may be caused
by tongue obstruction,
laryngospasm, or laryngeal
edema
Monitor RR, depth, rhythm,
lung sounds, O2 sat, skin
color, mental status
Assess cardiovascular
functions, as transient
hypertension and
hypotension can occur from
anesthesia
Monitor CNS, fluid status,
wound status, GI, and pain
levels
Hypothermia will lead to poor
wound heeling, cardiac
disturbance, stress, delayed
emergence from anesthesia,
and coagulopathy
Monitor and prevent
postoperative complications
Monitor vital signs, ECG,
pulses
Make sure patient is
comfortable and in safe
position
Teach pt splint abdomen for
cough and deep breathing
by holding a pillow or
blanket over the incision
- allows coughing to be less
painful
Teach deep breathing
- sit pt up in bed
- deep breaths
- hold 3-5 seconds
- exhale with pursed lips
- repeat 3x
- repeat exercise every 1-2
hours
Incentive spirometer to
increase lung volume and
inflation of alveoli
- inhale as much pt can
handle while keep the dial in
the green area
- repeat exercise 10x every
1-2 hours
ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATES