Category: Postoperative care

The majority of patients who receive a general anesthetic will spend time in a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) to ensure a safe transition from an unconscious state. Understanding **why do patients go to recovery after surgery** is key to demystifying this important medical process and reducing anxiety for patients and their families.

While wound dehiscence occurs in less than 3% of abdominal surgeries, evisceration can increase mortality risk, making prompt nursing interventions for wound dehiscence and evisceration a critical component of postoperative care. Understanding the immediate steps and long-term management strategies is vital for all nursing professionals.

Studies show that seromas, a collection of serous fluid under the skin, can occur in a significant percentage of patients following surgery, even after surgical drains have been removed. This authoritative guide will explain **how to prevent seroma after drain removal** through proper care and diligent management, ensuring a smoother and safer recovery process.

An estimated one-third of suture removals encounter some complication, such as a retained suture, due to the healing process. So, what happens if you can't get a stitch out? It is crucial to understand whether your sutures are meant to dissolve or require professional removal to avoid complications like infection and scarring.

Following many surgeries, nearly 50% of patients experience a seroma, and a small percentage may develop a fibrous capsule, causing it to harden. **How is a hardened seroma treated?** Unlike simple fluid collections that often resolve on their own, a hardened seroma typically requires specialized medical attention for proper resolution.

Affecting up to 85% of patients after mastectomy, a seroma is a common postoperative fluid collection that can cause anxiety for many. Understanding the answer to, 'does a seroma feel hard or soft?' is crucial, as its texture provides important clues about its stage and potential complications.

Over 40 million major surgical procedures are performed annually in the U.S., making the role of the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) crucial for patient recovery. A specialized PACU nurse must achieve specific, critical objectives to ensure a safe transition from the operating room to the next phase of care, detailing exactly what are the goals of the PACU nurse.

According to healthcare providers, coughing and deep breathing are essential for preventing post-operative pulmonary complications, such as pneumonia, particularly after abdominal or chest surgery. This necessary action, however, can be extremely painful. This is where the practice of using a pillow to cough after surgery, known as splinting, becomes a game-changer for many patients.

Adverse respiratory events are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the immediate postoperative period. Therefore, the most important assessment during the immediate postoperative period focuses on ensuring a patent airway, adequate breathing, and stable circulation to prevent potentially fatal complications.

According to the U.S. Institute of Medicine, up to 80% of patients experience some level of pain following a surgical procedure. Understanding what kind of pain is normal after surgery is a critical first step toward a smooth recovery and can help distinguish between typical healing sensations and complications.