Care of the surgical patient: postoperative care

Introduction

This is part three of a series covering care of the surgical patient. This article provides a clinical overview of the care of a surgical patient at the postoperative care stage.

See ‘Care of the surgical patient: preoperative care’ and ‘Care of the surgical patient: intraoperative care’ for further information on the stages preceding postoperative care.

Postoperative care

Before the patient is transferred back to the ward, a comprehensive handover must take place in theatre between the post-anaesthetic care unit (PACU) practitioner and ward staff, including:

• details of the procedure
• the patient's current physical condition
• level of responsiveness
• airway and breathing
• oxygen therapy
• circulation
• wound dressings and drains
• fluid output and input
• pain levels
• medication
• any other specific instructions (Wicker, 2015)

As well as the standard nursing roles and responsibilities, nurses caring for surgical