Assess for factors that may be related to a delay in recovery, such as respiratory complications and infection. Document and report assessment findings to facilitate the development of an individualized care plan.- Monitor wound healing. Assess the surgical site for signs of infection, such as erythema, edema, pain, drainage, odor, incision approximation, and intact sutures. Infection may delay surgical recovery.
Monitor nutritional status by evaluating intake, output, and integumentary status. Consult a dietitian regarding changes to diet to promote optimal nutritional status. Optimal nutritional status promotes wound healing and provides energy for recovery.- Assess all body systems to detect signs and symptoms of postoperative complications that can delay surgical recovery.
- Follow the prescribed pulmonary regimen to facilitate resolution of respiratory complications if present. Respiratory complications can lead to decreased oxygen levels, which can slow wound healing and delay mobility.
- Following postoperative bleeding, monitor hemoglobin level and hematocrit. Bleeding can lead to a low hemoglobin level and hematocrit, reducing the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen, which can hinder wound healing and diminish patient's energy level.
If patient is suffering from psychosis, continue to reorient him or her during the postoperative recovery period. Report any psychological reaction, such as development of depression-like symptoms. Psychosis or depression may delay recovery.- Administer pain medication as prescribed. A patient in pain may not move, cough, and deep-breathe as needed for timely recovery from surgery.
- As appropriate, make sure someone is available to walk with patient or that such devices as walkers or canes are available. Don't allow patient to ambulate alone until steady. Assistance (from staff or with devices) enhances safety and encourages patient to improve mobility without fear of falling. Mobility will facilitate improved strength, help prevent such complications as deep vein thrombosis, and ultimately enhance recovery.
- Make sure patient wears support stockings or a sequential compression device as prescribed to facilitate venous return and prevent deep vein thrombosis.
- Monitor bowel and bladder activity. Report urine retention and absent or decreased bowel sounds. Abnormal bowel and bladder patterns slow surgical recovery. Continual assessment ensures prompt treatment and enhances recovery.
Initiate a multidisciplinary care conference for patient with care providers from all disciplines as well as the patient and family. Facilitating this type of communication will help to develop a plan that will put the patient on a faster track to recovery.- Make sure patient and family members have access to community resources to assist with recovery when patient returns home to ensure ongoing recovery.
- Educate patient and family members regarding appropriate care after discharge to help them carry out medication and treatment regimens.
Suggested NIC Interventions
Bed Rest Care; Case Management; Discharge Planning; Energy Management; Exercise Therapy: Ambulation; Incision Site Care; Multidisciplinary Care Conference; Nutrition Management; Pain Management; Sleep Enhancement |