2.1 Perioperative Introduction
Learning Objectives
- Apply principles of evidence-based practice when using the nursing process
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of the nurse in perioperative care
- Identify the legal aspects of perioperative care
- Identify life span considerations of the surgical client
- Apply principles of client-centered care when considering diversity of the client
- Apply therapeutic communication in the perioperative setting
- Integrate common pharmacological and nonpharmacological measures for perioperative care
“Perioperative PreTest” by Kellea Ewen and Open RN is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0
A client’s surgical experience is known as perioperative care and encompasses three phases: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative. Each phase requires careful attention to ensure client safety, optimal surgical outcomes, and effective recovery.
The evolution of surgery has witnessed a shift from traditional operating room suites to specialty procedural areas such as an “Endoscopy Lab.” This transition has been driven by various factors, including cost and reimbursement considerations. Health care institutions are constantly seeking ways to optimize resources and enhance efficiency, leading to the development of specialized areas for specific procedures.
Technological advancements have also played a significant role in shaping the modern surgical landscape. One notable advancement is the increased utilization of robotics in surgery. Robotic systems provide surgeons with enhanced precision, control, and visualization, enabling them to perform complex procedures with greater accuracy and minimal invasiveness. This has led to a rise in minimally invasive surgeries, where smaller incisions are made, resulting in reduced trauma, faster recovery, and improved client outcomes.
An impact of these advancements is the decrease in overall length of stay for surgical clients. Length of stay is a clinical metric that measures the time elapsed between a client’s admission and discharge. With the adoption of minimally invasive surgeries and improved postoperative care, clients are now able to leave the hospital sooner than ever before. Instead of being admitted, many clients are now observed in specialized observation units, allowing for close monitoring and timely interventions if needed.
This chapter will introduce topics related to the surgical experience and provide an overview of nursing care provided during the perioperative period.
A client's surgical experience including the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases.
Surgical procedures in which smaller incisions are made, resulting in reduced trauma, faster recovery, and improved client outcomes
A clinical metric that measures the time elapsed between a client's admission and discharge.