Assess the client
The first thing to do after a client leaves the surgical room is to assess their vital signs. It is important to make sure that they are responsive, and that their vital signs are within nornmal limits and that their incisions are intact.
Encourage Deep breathing and coughing exercises
Its imporatnt for the client to breathe deeply to prevent collapse of the lungs and to cough to prevent accumulation of secretions. These 2 ( lung collapsing, secretions i.e mucus) conditions could lead to pneumonia hence the importance of coughing and breathing deeply.
Remember the client has received anasthesia that may impair the muscles from being fully functional so they can breathe deeply.
Get the client walking
Ambulation( walking ) is important to get the clients blood flowing and to prevent the formation of blood clots which clould cause embolisms that can actually cause death. Laying in bed can cause the blood in the the extremetities( legs) to pool and increase the possibilty foir a blood clot to form.
Apply Anti embolism stocking
In the event that the client cannot get out of bed, The stockings help with circulation and preventing blood clots.
Monitor INtake and Output
Due to anasthesia, the client may have urinary retention or constipation. SO its important to monitor how much they are urinating and drinking and if they are passing gas to make sure that their urinary and bowel fuctions return to normal.
Pain Management
This is very important, if a client has had surgery they most certainly may be in pain so to increase their comfort, ask them if they are in pain and provide pain medication as prescribed.
ALso clients who have had abdominal surgery may breathe shallowly due to pain and this could lead to pneumonia. Giving them pain medication will minimize the pain and encourage deep breathing so pneumonia can be avoided.
Monitor for infection
The client may have incisions and they are portals of entry for disease causing organisms so, watch for infection by taking the clients temperature and inspecting the incision site for redness and foul drainage as well as swelling as time goes on.
ALdo change dressings using sterile technique to reduce the risk of infection.
Monitor for pulmonary complications
As said before pneumonia is a risk factor to be watched for and prevented.
Emotional support
The client has just gone through something they probably didnt know what the outcome would be, they may be getting used to ostomy bags and things being attached to their bodies. At this time they are really vulnerable, it is your job to provide them with encouragement, praise when they successfully complete what you teach them, your presence and kind words when they are scared or anxious.