During the post-anesthesia recovery period, these nursing measures are very important

The post-anesthesia recovery period, that is, the transition from anesthesia to wakefulness, is an important stage for patients to recover after surgery. During this period, patients may experience different recovery states such as incomplete awakening, involuntary agitation, and pain, as well as a series of complications such as hypothermia, blood pressure fluctuations, nausea and vomiting, upper airway obstruction, and hypoxemia. Therefore, nursing care during the post-anesthesia recovery period is particularly important. We will introduce the important nursing measures during the post-anesthesia recovery period in detail to help patients and their families better understand and cooperate with the work of the medical team.

1. Keep the airway open

During the recovery period after anesthesia, keeping the airway open is the top priority. For patients who have not awakened, they should be placed in a lateral position or a supine position without a pillow to prevent the tongue from falling back and blocking the airway. Nursing staff should closely observe the patient's respiratory rate and amplitude, and if necessary, an oropharyngeal airway can be placed to ensure a patent airway. For patients using a ventilator, the parameters of the ventilator should be adjusted to ensure that the patient has adequate oxygen supply. At the same time, after extubation, the patient's respiratory condition should be closely monitored, and oral secretions should be cleared in time to prevent aspiration and airway obstruction.

2. Maintain the stability of the circulatory system

During the recovery period after anesthesia, the patient's blood pressure and heart rate may fluctuate. Nursing staff should closely monitor the patient's blood pressure and heart rate changes. If there are any abnormalities, the infusion rate should be adjusted in time, the doctor should be informed, and the medication should be given according to the doctor's orders. In addition, the patient's urine volume, skin color, intravenous infusion rate and electrocardiogram changes should also be monitored to fully evaluate the stability of the circulatory system. Patients with high-risk factors, such as the elderly and patients with heart disease, should be given more attention and care.

3. Pain Management

After anesthesia, as the effect of the drug gradually fades, the patient may feel pain. Pain will not only affect the patient's awakening of consciousness, but may also increase myocardial oxygen consumption and induce serious complications such as myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction. Therefore, pain management during the recovery period after anesthesia is crucial. Nurses should give patients analgesics according to the doctor's instructions to relieve pain and discomfort. At the same time, physical analgesic methods, such as local hot and cold compresses, massage, etc., can also be used to assist in relieving pain. For patients undergoing medium and large surgeries, analgesic pumps can be used for continuous pain relief. When giving analgesics, the dosage and time of medication should be strictly controlled to ensure the safety of medication.

4. Temperature monitoring and care

During the recovery period after anesthesia, patients may have abnormal body temperature. Hypothermia can cause chills and reduced metabolic rate, which is not conducive to the patient's recovery. Therefore, nursing staff should conduct continuous temperature monitoring and take warming measures. If the body temperature is too low (below 36°C), the patient should be given a warming infusion and a heater to keep warm. At the same time, the patient should be prevented from sweating too much due to excessive warming, which may lead to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance.

5. Preventing Pressure Ulcers

During the recovery period after anesthesia, patients are prone to bed sores if they stay in bed for a long time. The key to preventing pressure sores is to change body positions regularly to avoid long-term pressure on the same part. For patients who cannot turn over by themselves, nursing staff should assist them in turning over regularly. At the same time, auxiliary tools such as air mattresses and turning pillows can also be used to reduce local pressure. When changing body positions, you should be gentle and avoid pulling on the wound and drainage tube.

Author: Feng Xueyan Longwan District First People's Hospital