Post-operative care

1. Goals of Post-Operative Care

• Promote healing and recovery
• Prevent complications (infection, bleeding, blood clots)
• Manage pain and discomfort
• Restore function and mobility
• Support emotional well-being

2. Phases of Post-Operative Care

a) Immediate Post-Operative (PACU – Post-Anesthesia Care Unit)

• Monitoring vital signs: BP, HR, RR, oxygen saturation
• Pain management using medications (analgesics)
• Monitoring for anesthesia-related complications: nausea, vomiting, confusion
• Observation of surgical site: bleeding, swelling, drainage

b) Early Post-Operative (First few days)

• Gradual mobilization (bed exercises → sitting → walking)
• Wound care: dressing changes, cleaning, monitoring for infection
• Monitoring fluid balance and nutrition
• Respiratory care: deep breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia
• Medication management: antibiotics, anticoagulants, painkillers

c) Late/Post-Discharge Care

• Continued wound care at home
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation for functional recovery
• Dietary guidance to promote healing
• Follow-up appointments with surgeon or physician
• Monitoring for delayed complications: infection, blood clots, joint stiffness

3. Key Components of Post-Operative Care

a) Pain Management

Oral or IV analgesics

• Non-pharmacological methods: ice, elevation, relaxation techniques

b) Wound and Surgical Site Care

• Keeping the incision clean and dry
• Monitoring for redness, swelling, pus, or unusual discharge
• Early detection of infection

c) Mobility and Physiotherapy

• Early mobilization to prevent stiffness and muscle wasting
• Exercises to improve joint range of motion
• Strengthening exercises for muscles affected by surgery
• Gait training after lower limb or orthopedic surgery

d) Respiratory Care

• Deep breathing exercises
• Incentive spirometry (especially after chest or abdominal surgery)
• Preventing pulmonary complications like atelectasis or pneumonia

e) Nutrition and Hydration

• Adequate protein for tissue repair
• Vitamins and minerals to promote healing
• Maintaining fluid balance to prevent dehydration

f) Psychological Support

• Provision of emotional support, counseling, and reassurance during recovery

g) Prevention of Complications

DVT/PE prevention: Early mobilization, compression stockings, anticoagulants

Infection prevention: Hand hygiene, wound care, sterile techniques

Pressure ulcer prevention: Regular repositioning in bedridden patients

5. Role of Home Care Services in Post-Operative Recovery

• Skilled nursing for wound care and medication administration
• Physiotherapy for mobility, strength, and functional recovery
• Assistance with ADLs (bathing, dressing, feeding)
• Monitoring for warning signs requiring urgent care
• Emotional support for patients and family

Contact us now for professional assistance.