Postoperative Nursing

In this lesson, we will discuss what the nursing responsibilities are during the postoperative phase, or after a surgical procedure.  We will identify the role of a post anesthesia care unit, or PACU, nurse including priority nursing assessments and interventions to control pain and prevent complications.  Finally we will review important client education topics nurses need to be aware of in order to promote the best possible surgical recovery.

Learning Objectives:

Upon the completion of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Identify the nursing role during the postoperative period
2. Describe post-surgical assessments
3. Determine potential complications of surgical procedures
4. Examine the nurse’s role in preventing post-surgical complication