postoperative patient safety

When the operative procedure is over, the patient is transported to the recovery room accompanied by the anesthesiologist and operating room nurse and is monitored as in the operating room.  Report is given to the recovery room nurses. As mentioned, in the recovery room the patient is continuously monitored.  Assessment is done for pain control and intravenous narcotics can be safely given for pain control.  The surgical site, or wound dressing,and drains are inspected for any excess bleeding. When the patient meets preset criteria by the andretti score, they may be discharged from the recovery room to the floor or day stay unit from which they will be discharged home.

Intraoperative patient safety concerns

Safety issues in the operating room start first with making sure all the equipment needed for the procedure is available and  that all emergency drugs and equipment needed for anesthesia are available.  When the patient first arrives in the operating room, a time out is done which is a safety check involving confirming the patient identity, procedure to be performed and the laterality of the procedure if applicable, and the surgeon doing the procedure.  Next anesthetic induction takes place and the patient is continuously monitored with blood pressure, EKG, pulse oximetry, capnography and gas concentrations during the procedure.   Proper positioning of the patient is important to avoid any nerve or pressure point injuries.  Soft cushions are placed under the head and arms and any pressure point contact.  Proper grounding of the patient is done for electrocautery use.  The surgery is then performed and the patient is awakened from anesthesia and taken to the recovery room

Safety in the O.R. in the preoperative phase

Patient safety in the O.R. begins with the preoperative assessment of the patient by the surgeon, anesthesiologist and nursing staff who will be caring for the patient intraoperatively.  A standard history and physical is always a must.  Preoperative labs and other workup will be determined by the patient's history and surgical procedure to be performed.  A directed history regarding the current specific problem is the next step in evaluating the patient.  Part of the preoperative preparation includes the review and checking of all consents especially the surgical consent when laterality is an issue.  Other issues of importance include starting a good intravenous, obtaining preoperative vital signs and providing for anxiolytic medication for the patient.