Calaid Home Healthcare, LLC offers pre- and post-operative care for patients. Pre-operative care involves preparing a patient for surgery, such as making adjustments to medication, scheduling tests and exams, and physical and psychological preparation.
Post-operative care refers to the care patients receive after a surgical procedure. The type of post-operative care a patient will need will depend on the type of surgery they’ve undergone, as well as their health history. Pain management and wound care are common components of post-operative care.
Patients receive post-operative care immediately after surgery. The care will last for the duration of the patient’s hospital stay and may continue at the patient’s home.
Pre-Operative Care
For physical preparation, the patient may need to undergo the following:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Share surgical and anesthesia background (such as adverse reaction to anesthesia)
- Lab tests (CBC, electrolytes, prothrombin time, and urinalysis)
- EKG for patients with a history of cardiac disease or over 50 years of age
- Chest X-ray for patients with a history of respiratory disease
- Risk assessment (nutritional deficiencies, radiation, chemotherapy, steroid use, drug or alcohol abuse, diabetes)
- Provide current list of medication, vitamins, and herbal supplements
Patients may need to take additional steps to prepare for the surgery, depending on the procedure and their unique condition.
Preparation
Before surgery, patients should ask their doctor the following questions:
- How long will I have to stay in the hospital?
- Will I receive any special supplies or medications before going home?
- Will I need a caregiver or home aide when I go home?
- What are the side effects of surgery?
- What are the potential complications?
- What should I do or avoid after surgery to support recovery?
- When can I return to normal activity?
Post-Operative Care In The Hospital
At the end of the surgical procedure, the patient will be moved to a recovery room where they will stay for a couple of hours. Upon waking up from anesthesia, the patient may feel groggy and even nauseous.
In the recovery room, staff will:
- Monitor the patient’s temperature, breathing, blood pressure, and pulse
- Ask the patient to take deep breaths to assess their lung function
- Check the surgical site for signs of bleeding or infection
- Watch for signs of an allergic reaction
Once the patient is fully away and stable, they’ll either be moved to a hospital room or begin the discharge process. This will depend on the type of surgery and the patient’s unique condition.
Post-Operative Care At Home
After surgery, patients will need to:
- Follow post-operative instructions
- Take medications as prescribed
- Be on the lookout for potential complications
- Attend follow-up appointments
Patients who have been instructed to rest should rest. Patients who need to engage in mild physical activity should do so. In most cases, patients should gradually resume normal activities.
Some patients may not be able to care for themselves after surgery and require professional post-operative care. A home health aide can help tend the patient’s wounds, prepare food, assist with bathing, and support movement.
Patients should call Calaid Home Healthcare, LLC to learn more about pre- and post-operative care.