General Surgery

Before surgery, the nursing team must ensure the following:

1. Preparing the Patient's Medical File:

• Obtain signed patient consent forms.
• Complete blood count (CBC).
• Blood chemistry tests.
• Urinalysis.
• Imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, etc.).
• Pulmonary function tests.
• Chest X-ray.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG).

2. Preparing the Patient:

• Psychological support to reduce anxiety and stress.

Postoperative Nursing Care (From the Operating Room to Recovery):

• Ensure the surgical dressing is intact and free from bleeding or leakage.
• Confirm chest tube placement and proper connection to the drainage container.
• Position the drainage container below chest level for proper fluid drainage.
• Ensure the patient is safely transferred to the ICU or recovery ward without obstructions.
• Collaborate with the anesthesiologist and anesthesia technician to ensure patient safety.
• Handover a complete patient report from the operating room nursing team to the next care unit.

Pain Management After Surgery:

• Reassure the patient.
• Assess the location, nature, and intensity of pain and administer prescribed pain relief medication if necessary.
• Position the patient in a semi-sitting position to facilitate breathing and reduce pain.
• Monitor the surgical site for signs of infection, such as:
• Redness
• Increased warmth
• Swelling
• Delayed wound healing
• Presence of discharge