Final answer:
To minimize pulmonary complications post-surgery in an older adult, proper administration of prophylactic antibiotics, verifying patient details and surgical site, maintaining an open airway through endotracheal intubation, and performing postoperative respiratory exercises are crucial. These interventions help reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections and improve postoperative pulmonary function.
Step-by-step explanation:
To reduce pulmonary complications post-surgery for an older adult patient scheduled for abdominal surgery, it is crucial to follow several key interventions. First, ensuring that prophylactic antibiotics have been administered within 60 minutes before the incision is made can significantly reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). The relative risk of getting an HAI for a patient who has received a pre-surgery antibiotic is 0.58 times, meaning the risk is almost cut in half.
Additionally, confirming that all essential imaging results are visible in the operating room is important for a successful surgery. The surgical team must verify the patient's identity, the surgical site, procedure, consent, and that the surgical site is marked. A functioning pulse oximeter should be placed on the patient to monitor oxygen levels continuously.
Furthermore, it is essential to assess the patient’s airway and risk of aspiration, ensuring that appropriate equipment and assistance are available. Among the preventative measures during surgery, endotracheal intubation is used to maintain an open airway to the lungs and help avoid airway blockage from a relaxed tongue or reduced diaphragm movement.
In terms of postoperative care, patients should perform respiratory exercises to increase the lung volume and reduce the work of breathing. Engaging in these exercises helps to improve pulmonary function and reduce the likelihood of complications related to lung diseases, respiratory symptoms, and infections. It is critical for the surgical team to be aware of any known allergies and to provide a recovery plan that aids the patient in regaining control of respiration after the anesthetic gases have been withdrawn.