Informed Consent Case Study

PREOPERATIVE NURSING INTERVENTIONS:

 The patient has the right to know what to expect and how to participate effectively during surgical experience. (Brown & Edwards, 2003). Explain the procedure at the patient’s best understanding, what to expect before and after the procedure.

 Checked that informed consent has been signed and place the consent form on the patient’s chart, Informed consent is necessary to be signed by the patient before any surgery to protect the patient, hospital against any claims of unauthorized surgery and to ensure that client understands the nature of the treatment (Smeltzer, et. al., 2010).

 Obtain thorough physical assessment and make sure that laboratory data’s are obtained like ECG, X-ray, CBC, blood sugar

 Audrey is high risk for VTE because of her age and scheduled procedure, ensure that patient is wearing TED stocking to prevent DVT. Dress patient in a hospital gown, remove any pieces of jewellery.

 Assist for bath using antibacterial soap to decrease the numbers of bacteria prior to her scheduled surgery.

 Encourage patient to verbalize feelings, fears, and anxiety related to the procedure and give priority to her concerns.

POSTOPERATIVE NURSING INTERVENTIONS

 For early detection of post-operative complications, assess ABC, vital signs, skin characteristics, and surgical site to be able to plan and provide timely intervention once these occur.

 Assess level of consciousness, orientation, and ability to move unaffected extremities to assess neurologic function and effects of anesthesia.

 Check if the wound is intact, and no ooze of bleeding. Excessive bleeding should be reported immediately.

 Assess pain level and characteristics along with timing, type, and route of last analgesic dose to assess effectivity of pain management.

 Monitor urine intake and output to identify any signs of urinary retention and document on fluid balance

Improvements in hospital discharge planning can improve the outcome of the patients as they move to the next level of care so it is, therefore, the responsibility of the patient, family and healthcare providers to maintain patient’s health after discharge. Discuss and plan with the patient regarding her transfer of care and make sure to do the proper handover to the rehab facility or nursing home to ensure Audrey’s continuity of care. (Durocher, E, 2014)

2. Communicate with therapies (occupational, physiotherapy), social workers, dietician, for transfer of proper care and the start of for Audrey’s rehabilitation process.

3. Make a comprehensive, simple, organize, and detailed medication list and educate Audrey about proper storage, use, and side-effects, what to do if a dose is missed and when to call GP or health care providers.

4. Educate to keep wearing compression stockings until provider order to stop to reduce clot formation, and call the doctor if there is an unmanageable pain, fever, shortness of breath or urinary retention. (Wade, Paton & Woolacott, 2016)