Case Study Chapter 14, Perioperative Care

Case Study, Chapter 14, Perioperative Care
April West, a 44-year-old female client, arrived to the medical-surgical unit from the PACU after
a partial abdominal hysterectomy (ovaries and fallopian tubes remain). The client has an 18-
gauge IV site per right forearm (FA) with D5RL at 125 mL/hr infusing per IV infusion pump.
The lower horizontal abdominal dressing with ABD pad folded in half and covered with a
Tegaderm is dry and intact. The JP drain has 30 mL of sanguineous drainage present. Thigh-high
antiembolism stockings are intact, and there are orders for pneumatic compression boots to be in
place while in bed. A Foley catheter is draining clear amber urine without sediments, and there is
150 mL of urine in the collection bag. The LPN/LVN received report from the PACU nurse
before the client arrived and now needs to perform assessments to prevent postoperative
complications.
(Learning Objective 11)
a. What initial assessment should the LPN/LVN perform when the client arrives from
PACU?
b. What additional assessments need to be made in order to prevent postoperative
complications?