Patient Guide to Safe Surgery
Introduction
When we go for surgery we turn over our care to highly trained doctors, nurses, and hospital staff. However, we also know that patients who understand their treatment are going to get the most out of their hospital visit.
Talk to your caregivers, understand what is happening to you, and never be afraid to ask questions. Bring a friend or family member as your healthcare advocate. Ask new and unfamiliar caregivers to identify themselves and explain their role in your treatment. Be involved, and help to make your care go well.
Before Surgery
Bring to the hospital:
> A list of all your medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbs and vitamins
> A list of your allergies
> Your insurance card
> Any advanced directives
> A small amount of cash, but no valuables or jewelry
> Little else. Most hospitals provide everything you need, even tooth brushes, bed clothes, and slippers. Men may prefer their own razor, women some cosmetics, but not perfume.
> An I.D. band will be given to you. Hospitals may have two patients with the same name, but your number is unique to you. If the band comes off, be sure to have it replaced.
Before surgery your doctor and healthcare team will ask you many questions. Some questions — such as your drug allergies and identification of the surgical site — may be asked several times. This repetition is planned, and you should expect these questions from your team. Some questions that may be asked include:
> Do you have diabetes and take diabetic medications?
> Do you take any blood thinners?
> Do you or any member of your family have a history of problems with surgery — such as adverse reactions to anesthesia — or problems with medications?
Your doctor will review, discuss and then ask you to sign a consent form that clearly outlines the planned surgical procedure.
Your doctor will confirm the surgical site with you and then mark the correct area on your skin.
Many operating rooms will let you keep glasses or a hearing aid. If you need them, tell the nurse.
After Surgery
Pay attention to the health care you receive. If something does not seem right — such as the type of medication you are receiving — tell your doctor, nurse, or another healthcare professional.
> Expect healthcare workers to introduce themselves to you. Look for their identification badges.
> Notice whether your caregivers have washed their hands. Hand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infection.
Help to avoid medication errors:
> Make sure health care professionals confirm your identity by checking your wristband or asking your name before giving you any medications or treatments.
> Know what time of day you usually get a medication. Tell your nurse or doctor if a regular medication is missed.
> Be able to identify the pills before swallowing. Your regular medications may have a different color or shape in the hospital.
> Do not take pills from home. They may duplicate the medications you are getting, or conflict with them. Tell your physician if you are not getting your regular pills.
Prevent falls:
> Surgery and postoperative medicines can make the best athlete weak and unsteady.
> Some medicines and extra intravenous fluids may cause a need to empty your bladder frequently. Do not be embarrassed to ask for help. Do it early, before it is urgent. Allow time for busy staff to get there.
> Serious falls occur when patients try to be independent against instructions.
> At night many people need help more than during the day. Turn on lights, wear glasses, and use non-skid shoes if getting up.
> Wheel chairs should be securely locked before getting in and out.
> Hot water in a shower can lower your blood pressure and cause fainting.
> Know your treatment plans.
> Ask questions to make sure you understand the next steps in your treatment.
> Encourage visitors to wash their hands before and after visits.
> Discourage visits from friends and family members who are not feeling well. Children are frequent cold carriers.
> If staff moves your bedside table or rolling stand, ask them to put it back before leaving. Otherwise your water, personal articles, phone, or even call button may be out of reach.
> Food servers should not just leave the tray, but help set it up to be reachable.
> If equipment in your room starts to ding or buzz this should not alarm you. It is usually something simple like your IV indicating to the nurse that it is time for a refill.
At Discharge
You usually receive a lot of instructions just prior to leaving. The nurse will give you the highlights in writing, such as a list of the medications you will need to take. It is hard to remember everything. As always, ask questions if you do not understand the instructions.
> Have a family member present to help recall what was said.
Take notes, and specifically find out:
> When to see the doctor again
> Dates and times if home nurses or therapists are coming to you
> What to do about bandages
> When is bathing permitted
> When it is okay to be alone in the house
> When you can drive
Advice about elevation of an operated extremity, and weight bearing on a leg after surgery
Understand about all medicines you need. Someone will have to get prescriptions filled to you.
Make sure you understand any signs of complications, such as infections or blood clots. Know how to quickly contact your doctor or healthcare team should you notice signs of complications.
As in the hospital, night time bathroom trips can be dangerous. Sleeping pills and pain medications cause unexpected balance problems. Blood loss from surgery can make you woozy when first standing up.
> Stand still at the bedside for a moment before walking
> Use eye glasses and turn on a light
> Be sure slippery scatter rugs have been removed
> Be aware that emptying your bladder can drop blood pressure and cause fainting. Men are much safer sitting down.
Conclusion
Research shows that patients who take part in decisions about their health care are more likely to have better outcomes. Ask questions, understand treatment, and follow instructions, and you will be on the road to recovery.
Shoulder information provided by Dr. Darren Keiser MD
Article URL: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00563&webid=2FDDE053