Observe for complications or other risks, such as effects of sedation and analgesia, and take appropriate measures to prevent or deal with them in a safe patient environment.
The most common complications after invasive procedures are bleeding, infection (frequently a later complication), respiratory difficulties, perforation of organs, and adverse effects of moderate sedation and local anesthesia. Watch for related signs and symptoms such as redness, swelling, skin irritation, pain or tenderness, dyspnea, abnormal breath sounds, cyanosis, decreased or increased pulse rate, blood pressure deviations (e.g., hypertension, hypotension), laryngospasm, agitation or combative behavior, pallor, and complaints of dizziness. If adverse reactions or events occur, contact the healthcare provider immediately and initiate treatment as soon as possible.
Posttest assessments include evaluation of patient behaviors, complaints, activities, and compliance within the emotional, physical, psychosocial, and spiritual dimensions. Alterations in any of these domains may indicate a need for interventions appropriate to the dimension affected.
Older patients and children may require closer, more lengthy monitoring and observation. For example, invasive procedure sites should be observed and assessed for potential bleeding and circulatory problems in the immediate postprocedure phase and for infection as a later event (possibly several days later).
Patients who receive sedation, drugs, contrast media (e.g., iodine, barium), or radioactive substances must be evaluated and treated according to established protocols (see Chapters 9 and 10).
Infection control measures with standard precautions (see Appendix A) and aseptic techniques must be observed.