Question

A patient is having elective cosmetic surgery performed on her face. The surgeon will keep her at the surgery center for 24 hours after surgery. What is the nurse's postoperative priority for this patient?

1. Manage patient pain.
2. Control the bleeding.
3, Maintain fluid balance.
4. Manage oxygenation status.

Answer 1

The postoperative priority for a patient after facial cosmetic surgery is to manage their oxygenation status. Nurses must monitor vital signs and watch for respiratory complications, coordinating with the medical team to ensure patient safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's postoperative priority for a patient undergoing elective cosmetic surgery, especially on the face, is to manage and ensure proper oxygenation status. After the surgery, close monitoring of the patient's ability to breathe adequately is crucial because anesthesia, pain, and swelling might compromise the airways or respiratory function.

During the recovery period, the nursing staff should regularly check the patient's vital signs, particularly oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter, and observe for any signs of respiratory distress. The healthcare team, including surgeons, anesthesia professionals, and nurses, must communicate effectively before, during, and after the procedure to prepare for and address any potential critical events or complications as they arise.

It is essential that protocols such as the 'time out' are followed to confirm the patient's identity, surgical site, procedure consent, and any known allergies, which could affect the patient's recovery. Ensuring all equipment, such as suction and oxygen delivery systems, are functional and readily available is also part of maintaining the patient's safety postoperatively.