ALAMY
CPD reflective account before discharge to exclude intraperitoneal haemorrhage. Where I work, prescriptions for analgesia are dispensed in the day surgery unit, and patients and their escorts or carers are given oral and written information on possible drug combinations and dosing to maximise pain control.
Recovery period
Inguinal hernia repair A CPD article enhanced Sigi Mueller’s knowledge of the care of patients following inguinal hernia repair During most of my shifts, I provide care for patients undergoing hernia repair. About 60% of the hospital’s hernia repairs are performed in the day surgery unit, but only a small number are carried out under local anaesthetic. Hernia repair procedures are a mainstay of day surgery activity, mainly because of advances in surgical techniques and anaesthetic practice. Since health demographics are changing and there are increasing levels of chronic disease morbidity in the general population, acceptance criteria for day surgery procedures are also being amended. These criteria now include patients with established comorbidities or a body mass index of up to 40. Many patients with stable chronic diseases, for example diabetes, asthma or epilepsy, can be accepted for day surgery. Nurses should encourage these patients or their carers to manage their medications and routines since this may help to prevent potential complications during recovery.
In addition, patients with learning difficulties or memory problems will find an expeditious return home after treatment less upsetting than an inpatient stay. I have learned about the various surgical techniques by observing procedures in theatre. Open inguinal hernia repair using a synthetic mesh is still widely used. For some surgeons, the evidence on reduced post-operative wound infection and pain after laparoscopic surgery is not conclusive. The CPD article emphasised the requirement for regular nursing observations of the wound site and the abdomen
This reflective account is based on NS737 Hammond CB (2014) Care of patients undergoing day case inguinal hernia repair. Nursing Standard. 28, 31, 53-59.
Advice and practical instructions are given on how and when to mobilise, expected side effects of surgery, wound care, and what to do if signs and symptoms of post-operative complications arise. In addition, patients who have undergone a general anaesthetic are made aware of the implications for the immediate post-anaesthetic recovery period. These are also explained to their escorts or carers. Discharge information should be timely, and tailored to empower patients to complete a safe and successful recovery at home. After reading this article, I intend to learn more about the specific nursing needs of day case patients with, for example diabetes or chronic respiratory disease or patients who take regular anticoagulant and other medications. Thanks to the information provided in the CPD article, my confidence in providing safe and proficient nursing care to these individuals has been improved NS Sigi Mueller is a staff nurse on the day surgery unit at Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Write your own reflective account You can gain a certificate of learning by reading a Nursing Standard CPD article and writing a reflective account. Turn to page 52 for this week’s article and on page 62 you can find out how to present and submit your reflective account.
Visit the RCN Learning Zone The RCN Learning Zone is a FREE online service to help RCN members with their continuing professional development and professional portfolio management. The RCN Learning Zone can be found at www.rcn.org.uk/members/learningzone.php
NURSING :: vol 29without no 4 ::permission. 2014 61 DownloadedSTANDARD from RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 13, 2015. For personalseptember use only. No24 other uses Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
CPD reflective account before discharge to exclude intraperitoneal haemorrhage. Where I work, prescriptions for analgesia are dispensed in the day surgery unit, and patients and their escorts or carers are given oral and written information on possible drug combinations and dosing to maximise pain control.
Recovery period
Inguinal hernia repair A CPD article enhanced Sigi Mueller’s knowledge of the care of patients following inguinal hernia repair During most of my shifts, I provide care for patients undergoing hernia repair. About 60% of the hospital’s hernia repairs are performed in the day surgery unit, but only a small number are carried out under local anaesthetic. Hernia repair procedures are a mainstay of day surgery activity, mainly because of advances in surgical techniques and anaesthetic practice. Since health demographics are changing and there are increasing levels of chronic disease morbidity in the general population, acceptance criteria for day surgery procedures are also being amended. These criteria now include patients with established comorbidities or a body mass index of up to 40. Many patients with stable chronic diseases, for example diabetes, asthma or epilepsy, can be accepted for day surgery. Nurses should encourage these patients or their carers to manage their medications and routines since this may help to prevent potential complications during recovery.
In addition, patients with learning difficulties or memory problems will find an expeditious return home after treatment less upsetting than an inpatient stay. I have learned about the various surgical techniques by observing procedures in theatre. Open inguinal hernia repair using a synthetic mesh is still widely used. For some surgeons, the evidence on reduced post-operative wound infection and pain after laparoscopic surgery is not conclusive. The CPD article emphasised the requirement for regular nursing observations of the wound site and the abdomen
This reflective account is based on NS737 Hammond CB (2014) Care of patients undergoing day case inguinal hernia repair. Nursing Standard. 28, 31, 53-59.
Advice and practical instructions are given on how and when to mobilise, expected side effects of surgery, wound care, and what to do if signs and symptoms of post-operative complications arise. In addition, patients who have undergone a general anaesthetic are made aware of the implications for the immediate post-anaesthetic recovery period. These are also explained to their escorts or carers. Discharge information should be timely, and tailored to empower patients to complete a safe and successful recovery at home. After reading this article, I intend to learn more about the specific nursing needs of day case patients with, for example diabetes or chronic respiratory disease or patients who take regular anticoagulant and other medications. Thanks to the information provided in the CPD article, my confidence in providing safe and proficient nursing care to these individuals has been improved NS Sigi Mueller is a staff nurse on the day surgery unit at Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Write your own reflective account You can gain a certificate of learning by reading a Nursing Standard CPD article and writing a reflective account. Turn to page 52 for this week’s article and on page 62 you can find out how to present and submit your reflective account.
Visit the RCN Learning Zone The RCN Learning Zone is a FREE online service to help RCN members with their continuing professional development and professional portfolio management. The RCN Learning Zone can be found at www.rcn.org.uk/members/learningzone.php
NURSING :: vol 29without no 4 ::permission. 2014 61 DownloadedSTANDARD from RCNi.com by ${individualUser.displayName} on Nov 13, 2015. For personalseptember use only. No24 other uses Copyright © 2015 RCNi Ltd. All rights reserved.
