Final answer:
Nursing implications for medication management in surgical clients include confirming administration of prophylactic antibiotics, equipment and image checks, patient and site verification, and managing anticipated blood loss and equipment during surgery. Post-surgery, nurses manage complications, handle pain control, and ensure no surgical materials are retained inside the patient.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nursing implications for medications prescribed to surgical clients involve a range of precautionary and post-operative care components. Before surgical procedures, it is crucial for the nursing staff to confirm the administration of prophylactic antibiotics within 60 minutes before the incision unless not indicated. This helps prevent post-operative infections. In the operating room, confirming the availability of correct patient images and ensuring all equipment is sterile and functional are essential aspects of the surgical nursing role. The team also conducts a 'time out' to verify the patient's identity, surgical site, and procedure, ensuring that no mistakes are made (site marking)
During surgery, nurses monitor for anticipated blood loss and manage equipment, assisting the surgical team in a way that anticipates critical steps and reacts to unexpected complications. They are also responsible for keeping surgical counts of needles, sponges, and instruments to avoid retained objects post-surgery. The correct labeling of specimens - including the patient's name - is another critical area of focus. Post-surgery, the nurse participates in managing complications, pain control, and monitoring the patient's recovery, vital for mitigating risks and promoting healing.
Overall, nurses play an integral part in the surgical team by ensuring a smooth operative course and reducing the risk of post-operative complications, aligning with the overall patient safety goals.