Navigating Surgery Basics

Ashley Tyler

Welcome, everyone, to another enlightening episode of The Heart of Healing. I’m Ashley Tyler, and today, first and foremost, I want to say thank you. Thank you for investing in your growth, showing up, and dedicating time to this incredible journey in nursing. You really inspire me. It’s not always easy to balance everything and still find the energy to better yourself. So I am so incredibly proud of you.

Ashley Tyler

As you know, our time together is always about exploring ways to provide not just care but compassionate care, the kind that heals in the deepest sense. In this episode, we’re diving into the world of surgery—unpacking the basics because, let’s be honest, surgery can feel a bit overwhelming, right? However, understanding it is essential to ensuring the well-being of our patients and being the nurses they depend on. Together, we’ll look step-by-step at the perioperative nursing, focus on patient safety essentials, and touch on what makes holistic preparation so vital.

Ashley Tyler

Let me share a quick story to give you an example of how impactful this knowledge is. A colleague of mine was preparing a patient for elective surgery—just a routine procedure—, but she paused when the patient casually mentioned, “I’ve always reacted to certain types of medicine.” That pause? It revealed an allergy history that wasn’t in his chart yet. By catching that one detail, she not only ensured the surgery went smoothly but also possibly avoided a serious risk. That’s the kind of attentive, informed care we’ll be talking about today.

Ashley Tyler

So, in this episode, we’ll preview critical concepts like patient history assessments, safety checklists, and how clear communication is every nurse’s superpower in the surgical process. Plus, I’ll share practical tips you can tuck away for use on the job. Ready to get started?

Ashley Tyler

Alright, so let’s start with the foundation of preoperative excellence: assessing a patient’s history. You’d be amazed at how much insight this step provides; honestly, this is where our detective skills shine. We look at everything—from medical conditions like sleep apnea and diabetes to psychosocial factors that might affect recovery. It isn’t just about listing problems. It’s about painting a full picture of this person’s health. Knowing that they’ve got, say, obstructive sleep apnea helps us plan for airway management later or spotting a history of malignant hyperthermia. Well, that can literally be life-saving information during anesthesia.

Ashley Tyler

And don't forget allergies. It’s not just the obvious ones, like medicines. Sometimes patients have allergies to latex or even things like contrast agents, which we need to work around. Oh, and a quick tip—it’s always worth double-checking. I can’t count the number of times something like latex sensitivity wasn’t documented but came up during a conversation.

Ashley Tyler

Now, I do want to highlight older adults because, well, they’ve got unique considerations. For example, decreased organ function affects how their bodies clear medications. They’re often on multiple prescriptions—polypharmacy is super common—which can mean a higher risk of drug interactions. It’s about adjusting their care, about modifying the plan for their individualized needs.

Ashley Tyler

Another key piece of this phase is ensuring informed consent. This involves more than just having a patient sign paperwork. It ensures that the patient fully comprehends what they are agreeing to, including the risks, benefits, and alternative options. The provider must discuss this information with the patient. They have had the opportunity to voice any concerns and have questions answered. Our role as nurses here is kind of as translators sometimes, making medical jargon make sense for them. If a patient hesitates or seems confused, we’re stepping in to reinforce the education provided by the provider or even flag the provider to explain further. As nurses, we are responsible for making sure the consent has been completed by the provider and patient and on the chart before surgery. That’s patient-centered care in action. And honestly, it’s one of the most powerful ways we can advocate for our patients.

Ashley Tyler

Lastly, let’s talk about those preoperative safety checklists. They might seem basic, but they make an enormous difference. They check not just that medications are properly labeled or that the patient has been NPO as ordered—they ensure that things like patient identification are completely clear. The Joint Commission’s national patient safety goals make this easy to follow, with specifics like using two identifiers, pausing before the procedure, and marking the surgery site. They’re small steps, but they prevent big mistakes.

Ashley Tyler

And that’s where collaboration comes in—this isn’t, you know, a one-person show. Surgeons, anesthesiologists, primary care providers, nurses, patients, and even patient family members all play a role in sticking to these protocols. The goal is flawless execution. It’s not just patient safety. It’s about their dignity, trust in us, and recovery success.

Ashley Tyler

When we step into the operating room or support our patients during surgery, we enter a world where every tiny decision matters. Spotting red flags early on is one of the most critical ways we ensure patient safety. For example, let's talk about hypoxia, which can show up as irregular breathing or cyanosis. These subtle changes can escalate quickly if missed. This is why understanding your patient’s baseline and monitoring consistently is non-negotiable.

Ashley Tyler

I remember one specific case where a patient underwent surgery and suddenly exhibited indicators of an anesthetic reaction. Because the team was so dialed in—watching for even the smallest changes—they caught it in time to administer the reversal agents and stabilize the situation. That kind of vigilance, paired with rapid, clear communication, can quite literally make the difference between life and death.

Ashley Tyler

Speaking of communication, how we share information in critical moments is just as important as the care itself. Take the SBAR method, for example—Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. It’s simple and structured and ensures that nothing vital falls through the cracks. Imagine you’ve got lab results indicating a potential anesthesia risk right before surgery starts. By delivering that information quickly and clearly, to the surgeon and healthcare team using SBAR, you’re reinforcing trust and teamwork. Everyone is on the same page.

Ashley Tyler

In fact, I think we sometimes undervalue the collaboration involved in ensuring surgical safety. Multidisciplinary communication isn’t just a box to check—it’s part of what keeps processes seamless. When surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists tackle these complicated moments as a unified team, we reduce errors and protect our patients’ well-being. I can't overstate how vital that shared focus on safety goals is.

Ashley Tyler

But I get it—keeping up with all these protocols and last-minute details can feel overwhelming, especially in high-pressure settings. That’s why ongoing staff training is such a key part of maintaining excellence. Teams that are regularly educated on updates to safety standards and surgical techniques are more likely to intervene effectively and adapt to changing needs.

Ashley Tyler

Leadership, well, it’s integral here. Leaders who prioritize consistent educational initiatives aren’t just improving individual performance—they’re building a culture of safety across the board. Think of it this way: every training session and reminder about protocol adherence forms a foundation. Soon, what may have felt like extra steps becomes second nature, and confidence grows for everyone involved.

Ashley Tyler

So yes, I know this can feel like a lot to manage. But step by step, with each patient and each shift, you’re building a stronger foundation of care. And remember, you’re doing incredible work. Honestly, I think sometimes we forget to acknowledge just how much we’re accomplishing as we navigate these demanding situations. So, take that moment to appreciate it—truly. Now, let’s keep learning together.

Ashley Tyler

In the world of postoperative care, every small action has a ripple effect on recovery. Let’s start with airway management—because it’s foundational. Helping patients prevent atelectasis isn’t just about teaching them to use their incentive spirometer, though that is a key tool. It’s also about making it approachable and setting achievable goals for them. It’s not, “Go ahead and hit this number.” It’s more like, “Let’s see how comfortable we can make that next deep breath.” That shift in tone changes everything for patients.

Ashley Tyler

Pain management is another cornerstone of recovery. Whether it’s patient-controlled analgesia or a more structured medication schedule, the goal is consistency. Staying ahead of the pain, instead of trying to catch up to it, helps improve outcomes across the board. And let’s not forget non-pharmacological options—massage, music therapy, even just creating a calmer environment. It’s all about offering patients choices that align with their needs.

Ashley Tyler

Now, thromboembolism prevention can’t be skipped. Anti-embolism stockings and compression devices are simple tools, but they make an incredible difference. Encouraging early ambulation is like activating your patient’s healing process. I always say even those first few steps down the hall are victories worth celebrating. Together, these strategies reduce risks and pave the way for smoother recoveries.

Ashley Tyler

But despite our best efforts, complications do occur sometimes. I’ll give you a real-life example. A patient I worked with showed subtle signs of hypovolemic shock after surgery—lower blood pressure and increased heart rate. Because we had kept such a close eye on the trends in their vitals, we caught it early and intervened with fluids and oxygen before it escalated. In moments like these, vigilance isn’t just a responsibility—it’s lifesaving. The same applies to conditions like paralytic ileus. Recognizing a patient’s slowed or absent bowel sounds, communicating this to the provider, and taking quick action is vital in easing discomfort and restoring normal function.

Ashley Tyler

So, how do you empower patients in their own recovery? Education, education, and more education. For instance, teaching wound care techniques isn’t just handing out instructions—it’s showing them and walking them through it until they’re confident. Explaining medication schedules isn’t just about timing; it’s about explaining why that schedule supports their healing. When patients understand the ‘why’ behind their care plans, it creates trust and self-reliance.

Ashley Tyler

Let’s not overlook the emotional side of recovery. Empathetic communication is one of our strongest tools. Addressing patient concerns, no matter how small they might seem, helps build confidence in managing their health at home. Connecting these practical skills to their personal routines—for example, choosing times for mobility that fit naturally into their day—means they’re more likely to stick with them.

Ashley Tyler

Early mobilization deserves its moment here. It’s the hero in preventing issues like deep vein thrombosis and muscle deconditioning. There’s a real art in balancing encouragement with realistic goals here—helping patients see progress as a series of small wins, not an overwhelming leap. And this doesn’t end at the hospital doors. Effective follow-up plans are what bridge the gap between discharge and long-term recovery. It’s about ensuring the care continues smoothly, whether through follow-up visits, prescribed therapies, or even a check-in call to see how they’re adjusting.

Ashley Tyler

Let’s pause for a moment to reflect on the heart of what we’ve covered so far. At its core, perioperative nursing is about preparation, precision, and people. Each step, no matter how small it seems, works toward creating the safest, smoothest outcomes for our patients.

Ashley Tyler

First and foremost, we can’t overemphasize the importance of detailed patient assessments. Building a complete picture—from medical histories to psychosocial factors—sets the foundation for everything else. This is where we, as nurses, truly shine in advocating for patient safety and personalized care.

Ashley Tyler

Safety protocols, like preoperative checklists and The Joint Commission’s guidelines, are more than just steps in a process. They’re a commitment we make to eliminate preventable errors. Whether double-checking patient identifiers or ensuring the provider has completed informed consent, these actions build trust and uphold our standards of care.

Ashley Tyler

Postoperative care, too, highlights the power of vigilance. Monitoring for complications like hypovolemic shock or paralytic ileus ensures prompt intervention. And strategies like early mobilization, thromboembolism prevention, and consistent pain management serve as the pillars of a smoother recovery. Every bit of education we provide empowers patients to take an active role in their healing journey.

Ashley Tyler

Throughout it all, our ability to communicate clearly and empathetically remains the thread that ties this process together. Whether guiding patients, collaborating with teams, or teaching, we create an environment where excellence thrives.

Ashley Tyler

Now, as we wrap up today’s journey on The Heart of Healing, I want to take a moment to acknowledge just how extraordinary you are. Every step you take—whether it’s learning a new concept or applying these principles to your practice—brings you closer to becoming the nurse you aspire to be. And let me tell you, that’s no small thing. It’s meaningful, it’s impactful, and most of all, it’s needed.

Ashley Tyler

Remember, you’re never alone on this path. An entire community of caregivers, educators, and innovators has walked similar roads, and we’re all here to support you. So if something we discussed today sparks a question or insight, I’d love to hear from you. Your voice and your experiences truly help shape content that resonates and, hopefully, inspires your nursing practice.

Ashley Tyler

Remember to explore the additional resources I’ve shared. Whether in Canvas, our suggested readings, or classroom discussions, these tools are here to deepen your understanding and give you confidence moving forward.

Ashley Tyler

So, my friends, keep showing up for your patients and yourselves. Keep asking questions, seeking growth, and transforming care into something genuinely healing. I’m so, so proud of all that you’re accomplishing. And on that note, we’ll see you next time. Until then, be well, stay curious, and keep shining.