In the following podcast, you will hear a conversation between a health professional and a patient during an immediate post-op visit.
Health professional: Hi Mrs. Jones. I see you’re just waking up. Are you drowsy? How are you feeling?
Patient: I’m groggy. The surgery went well?
Health professional: Apparently so! The doctor left only regular instructions for now. That is a good sign! He will be by later to see you.
Patient: OK.
Health professional: Mrs. Jones, I will assess your oxygen status and your breathing first. Then I will take your vital signs. Can you turn sideways for me? I need to listen to your lungs.
Patient: I don’t know, can you help me?
Health professional: Certainly. Are you having difficulty breathing? Do you feel like your breathing is a little shallow? Is it easier to breathe when you’re on your side?
Patient: It is easier to breathe when I’m on my side but I feel more pain in that position. I think I want to lie on my back now.
Health professional: Would you like me to raise the head of the bed slightly then?
Patient: Please
Health professional: Mrs. Jones, I want you to keep this little machine on your finger; it will keep monitoring the level of oxygen in your blood. Try and take deep breaths and let the air out slowly and completely before inhaling again. I will take your pulse and your blood pressure now. Your heart is a little high…are you nervous or anxious?
Patient: Yes. I haven’t slept in a few days and I don’t really like hospitals and needles. This freaks me out a little.
Health professional: As soon as you start experiencing any pain, please ring the call button. When that medication wears off, you may feel pain at the incision site. The doctor ordered some medication for you and we will bring it when you need it.
Teacher: Often we have to take care of patients after a surgery, Josée do you think patients usually feel well after a surgery?
Student: I think maybe they can feel a bit sick or drowsy, like this patient. She is drowsy and foggy…
Teacher: Right, foggy means a person’s ideas aren’t all clear, but that is a normal side effect of coming out of anesthesia.
Student: She also didn’t seem to be able to move well. Is this also a side effect?
Teacher: Yes, sometimes patients need time and help to regain their mobility. They made need help sitting up or going to the bathroom. They may also seem uncomfortable and ask for extra blankets or pillows.
Student: Do they also often feel anxious like Mrs. Jones? She seems a little stressed out.
Teacher: Hospital and surgeries can be frightening. It is up to you to try and help a post-opt patient feel calm and comfortable.