Final answer:
Preoperative and postoperative nursing assessments involve verification of patient data, review of medical history, and patient teaching about recovery care, especially pain management and activity restrictions. Post-thoracotomy care is critical for monitoring for complications, managing pain, and providing guidance on breathing exercises and mobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preoperative and Postoperative Nursing Assessment and Patient Teaching
The nursing assessment before thoracic surgery includes the review of the patient's medical history, current medication, allergies, baseline vitals, and overall physical and mental status. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of the patient's health before undergoing surgery. The assessment also includes the verification of patient identity, surgical site, and procedure. During the preoperative phase, patient teaching focuses on postoperative care, including pain management strategies, infection prevention, breathing exercises, and understanding of activity restrictions. After thoracic surgery, the focus is on monitoring the patient for any signs of complications, managing pain, facilitating lung re-expansion and preventing pneumonia. Endotracheal intubation is used to maintain an open airway during the procedure. Postoperative patient teaching involves guidance on proper breathing exercises, incentive spirometry, coughing techniques, and progressive mobility to speed up recovery
After a thoracotomy, patients should follow activity restrictions and engage in prescribed exercises to enhance recovery. The surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nursing staff play crucial roles in post-surgical care, to ensure critical respiratory function is supported, and any concerns are promptly addressed. A collaborative approach to patient education on postoperative care by the medical team contributes to a successful recovery with minimal complications.