6 Perioperative Monitoring and Safety Free Online FlashCards

What are the three phases of perioperative care?

Perioperative care includes the preoperative period, the intraoperative procedure, and postoperative recovery.

Which findings help establish a preoperative baseline?

Establish a baseline that includes vital signs, oxygenation, mental status, mobility, pain, hydration, skin, and relevant neurologic or cardiopulmonary findings.

How should preoperative tests be selected?

Select tests according to the patient’s health, symptoms, medications, and planned procedure rather than ordering them automatically for everyone.

When does the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist call for team pauses?

The team pauses before anesthesia, before incision, and before the patient leaves the operating room to verify essential information and support communication.

How is oxygenation monitored during surgery?

Pulse oximetry monitors oxygenation; inspired oxygen concentration is also monitored when applicable.

What does exhaled carbon dioxide monitoring help assess?

Use appropriate observation and measurement of breathing. When indicated, monitor exhaled carbon dioxide, including to confirm and track ventilation with an airway device.

What does circulation monitoring assess during surgery?

Assess heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG as appropriate, along with perfusion and response to blood loss, fluids, and anesthetic drugs.

When might additional intraoperative monitoring be needed?

Additional monitoring may be needed for major or high-risk surgery, significant blood loss, or specific diseases; it is not required for every patient.

How should temperature be managed during surgery?

Monitor temperature when clinically indicated, and prevent or treat unintended temperature changes.

What should the team do when intraoperative findings change suddenly?

Promptly assess and communicate changes such as falling blood pressure, rising heart rate, reduced oxygen saturation, increasing airway pressures, or unexpected bleeding.

What key areas are reassessed during postoperative recovery?

Reassess airway, breathing, oxygen saturation, pulse, blood pressure, mental status, temperature, pain, nausea or vomiting, hydration, and wound or drain bleeding.

What information belongs in a perioperative handoff?

Communicate the procedure and anesthetic, baseline and current status, important events, medications, fluids and blood loss, airway or device status, drains, pending tests, risks, and the monitoring or treatment plan.