Final answer:
Nursing responsibilities include a pre-op review of patient details, checks for sterility, and equipment availability, as well as post-op monitoring for complications and ensuring careful documentation and supervision.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nursing Responsibilities Pre-Op and Post-Op for Endoscopy
Before an endoscopy procedure, the nurse has several pre-operative responsibilities. This includes ensuring that the team reviews the patient's identity, the surgical site, and the procedure aloud. The nurse confirms that all essential imaging results are displayed, sterility is confirmed, and that prophylactic antibiotics have been administered if indicated. The nurse also checks that the equipment necessary for the procedure is available and functioning correctly. It is crucial to ensure patient understanding and consent for the procedure, reviewing any critical or unexpected steps, and evaluating the patient's risk for aspiration.
Post-operative nursing responsibilities include monitoring the patient for any signs of complications, such as infection or bleeding. The nurse should review and address any symptoms the patient may experience, as shown in the case of Roberta, who developed abdominal pain and a high fever after her procedure. Observing vital signs, ensuring proper labeling of specimens, and maintaining accurate needle, sponge, and instrument counts are also critical post-operative tasks. Comprehensive documentation and direct supervision for patient recovery are paramount.