Skip to ContentGo to accessibility pageKeyboard shortcuts menu
OpenStax Logo
Medical-Surgical Nursing

Introduction

Medical-Surgical NursingIntroduction
A photograph of a nurse watching a computer in the operating room, with other medical providers performing a surgery in the background.
Figure 26.1 The nurse’s role is pivotal for the patient’s care during surgery. The nurse must collaborate with other providers on the surgical team to ensure the patient’s safety before, during, and after the procedure. (credit: “Aviano's surgical team” by Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy/U.S. Air Force, Public Domain)

Chapter Outline

26.1 Overview of the Surgical Experience
26.2 Intraoperative Considerations
26.3 Intraoperative Nursing Management

The surgical experience is a multifaceted journey that encompasses a range of emotions, preparations, and procedures. From the initial consultation with a health-care provider to the postoperative recovery period, patients navigate a series of critical steps designed to ensure their safety and the success of the operation. This journey often begins with a detailed evaluation and diagnosis, followed by meticulous planning and coordination among a team of medical professionals. The actual surgery, whether elective or emergency, marks a significant event, demanding both physical and emotional resilience from the patient. Post surgery, the recovery phase involves continuous care and monitoring, aiming to restore the patient’s health and well-being. Understanding the comprehensive nature of the surgical experience is essential for patients and their families, as it helps in setting realistic expectations and fostering a sense of preparedness and confidence. Perioperative describes the time frame surrounding surgery. It is used to encompass the time between going to the facility, having the procedure, and then returning home afterward. This chapter will discuss the second of the three phases included in perioperative nursing.

PreviousNext
Citation/Attribution

This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission.

Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution License and you must attribute OpenStax.

Attribution information
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a print format, then you must include on every physical page the following attribution:
    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/medical-surgical-nursing/pages/1-introduction
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a digital format, then you must include on every digital page view the following attribution:
    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/medical-surgical-nursing/pages/1-introduction
Citation information

© Sep 20, 2024 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.