Question

you are doing a preoperative assessment on a patient going to surgery. the patient informs you that he drinks six to eight beers each day and has for the last 15 years. what postoperative difficulties can the nurse anticipate for this patient?

Answer 1

1. Slowed Recovery: Alcohol can affect the body’s ability to heal after a surgery.

2. Increased Risk of Post-Op Complications: Alcohol can weaken the body’s natural defense mechanisms, making it more difficult to fight off any infections or complications during recovery.

3. Impaired Cognitive Function: Alcohol can have a negative effect on the patient’s ability to think and remember, which can interfere with the healing process.

4. Sleep Disturbances: Alcohol can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle, making it difficult for the patient to rest and recover.

5. Delayed Wound Healing: Long-term alcohol use can lead to decreased blood flow and oxygen levels in the body, which can slow the healing of surgical wounds.

6. Increased Risk of Bleeding: Alcohol can affect the body’s ability to form blood clots, which increases the risk of excessive bleeding during and after the surgery.