Operation: days post-op, type of operation, reason for operation
Planned management: check operation note to ascertain post-operative plan, patientβs stage in plan, why they are still in hospital
Investigation results review
Latest bloods and trends
Inflammatory markers (WCC, CRP) β may rise for first 2 days post-operatively but should fall after that
Haemoglobin
Electrolytes
Other relevant blood results
Other new investigation results
Patient assessment
Questioning
Any symptoms or issues?
Eating and drinking? How much?
Bowels opening? If not, passing flatus?
Pain controlled?
Mobilising?
Nursing charts
Observations: review current condition and trends on observation chart/temperature spikes
Fluid balance chart
Urine output
NG/NJ output (if used for drainage)
Drains output
Stool chart
Food chart and note current oral intake limitations (see spectrum below)
Examination
Tubes in situ
Drains: e.g. Wallis drain, Redivac negative pressure drain, Pigtail drain etc. As output decreases, drains are usually βcut and baggedβ, then removed when output has decreased to insignificant amounts (e.g. <25ml/d), whereupon the site is covered with a bag. This is later removed and the wound dressed when dry.
Wound catheters: a local anaesthetic delivery system to provide analgesia β remove when pain controlled
Urinary catheter: TWOC when fluid balance stable and patient is able to mobilise and control urination
Central line: remove when no longer needed
NG/NJ tubes or parenteral nutrition lines: remove when not needed for nutrition or drainage
Patient-controlled analgesia: remove when oral analgesia is likely to control pain
Drain quantity and output (e.g. serous, bloody, chyle etc.)
Review current medications (donβt forget about VTE prophylaxis!)
Tips!
The aim is to get the patient back to normal and then home. Take into consideration:
Oral intake: may be limited in first few days post-operatively but is increased gradually if there is no distension/vomiting/nausea; if the patient is passing stool/flatus; and if there is no limitation due to bowel anastomosis
Oral intake spectrum
NG/NJ with free drainage (i.e. NG/NJ is open-ended and will continually drain stomach contents into bag)
Spigotted NG/NJ (where a bung is placed into the end of the NG/NJ) Β± β2/4/6 hourly drainageβ
NBM
Sips
Clear fluids limited to ml/hour, e.g. β20sβ (i.e. 20ml/hour), β40sβ, β60sβ, β100sβ
Clear free fluids, e.g. water, tea without milk etc.
Free fluids (anything liquid β includes soup, milk etc.)
Light/soft diet
Normal diet
Analgesia: aim to gradually reduce as tolerated (e.g. patient-controlled analgesia β tramadol + paracetamol + Oramorph PRN β paracetamol)
Tubes: take them out when possible
Fluids and fluid balance: adjust to achieve good balance; reduce IV fluids when oral intake is adequate
Nutrition: consider supplementation (e.g. Fortisip drinks and multivitamins) and dietitian input. Consider NG feeding or parenteral nutrition if patient will not be eating within 7 days.
Any evidence of infection or other post-surgical complications requiring investigation/intervention
Correct electrolyte abnormalities
Mobilise: patient needs to increase mobility until they are at their pre-morbid level of independence. Consider physiotherapist input.
Medications: change to oral when possible
Breathing: ensure patient is breathing properly to prevent post-operative atelectasis/chest infections. Encourage deep breathing, keep pain well controlled (as this limits inspiration), and consider saline nebulisers and chest physiotherapy.
Other tips:
Do not overuse IV fluids! If the patient can tolerate oral fluids then maintenance bags are rarely required (see prescribing notes on fluids).
It can be difficult to build and maintain good patient relationships when you are busy and have a long list of jobs to do. Some tips:
Introduce yourself properly
Check what they like to be called and use that name throughout the consultation
Ensure you check for their concerns/questions at the end