Lesson 1Ileus prevention and recognition: bowel function monitoring, return of bowel sounds, criteria for NG tube or bowel rest, prokinetic considerationsWe cover early spot and stop of after-op gut stop, including gut sound watch, pass wind and stool, rules for nose-tube or gut rest, and safe use of gut-move meds in digestive patients.
Baseline and ongoing bowel function assessmentExpected timeline for bowel sounds and flatusIndications for NG tube insertion or suctionNonpharmacologic ileus prevention measuresNursing role in prokinetic drug safetyLesson 2Pressure injury and mobility care: turning schedules, early mobilization milestones first and second postop dayWe detail nursing care to stop pressure sores and push moving, including risk tools, turn times, skin look, early move goals for each after day, and safe use of help tools and beds.
Initial and repeated pressure injury risk scoringTurning frequency and positioning techniquesSkin inspection and early lesion detectionDay 0–2 mobilization milestones and aidsUse of mattresses, cushions, and heel protectorsLesson 3Vital sign and clinical monitoring schedule: frequency for first 48 hours, parameters indicating deterioration (HR, BP, RR, O2 sats, temperature), early warning scoresWe define steady life sign and clinic watch times for first 48 hours, including how often, okay ranges, signs of get-worse, early warn scores, and clear call-up and record duties for ward nurses.
Standard frequency first and second postop dayKey thresholds for HR, BP, RR, O2, temperatureUse of early warning and sepsis screening toolsFocused abdominal and respiratory assessmentsEscalation algorithms and rapid response callsLesson 4Wound, drain, and stoma assessment: signs of infection, anastomotic leak indicators, drain output thresholds and documentationWe focus on steady check of belly wounds, tubes, and bag-outs in digestive patients, marking early infection signs, join-leak shows, safe tube out levels, and true record needs.
Standard wound inspection steps and timingLocal and systemic signs of wound infectionDrain types, expected character and volumeRed flag features for anastomotic leakDocumentation and escalation pathwaysLesson 5Venous thromboembolism prevention: mechanical prophylaxis, pharmacologic prophylaxis timing post-op, ambulation scheduleWe explore vein clot stop ways, including machine guards, drug guard timing and watch after-op, early and step-walk times, and nursing watch for deep leg clot or lung clot signs.
VTE risk factors in digestive surgery patientsApplication and monitoring of mechanical devicesTiming and checks for anticoagulant dosesStructured ambulation plan for first 48 hoursRecognition of DVT and pulmonary embolismLesson 6Patient and family education in immediate postop period: analgesia expectations, stoma basics if present, signs of complications and when to seek helpWe focus on steady teaching for patients and family straight after-op, handling pain expects, bag-out basics if there, wound care, warn signs of problems, and when/how to call urgent help after go-home.
Setting realistic pain and recovery expectationsTeaching basic wound and dressing careIntroductory stoma care and appliance checksExplaining signs of common complicationsWritten instructions and contact pathwaysLesson 7Fluid balance and nutrition: urine output targets, daily fluid charts, progression from clear fluids to oral diet per ERAS, indications for IV fluid continuationWe review water balance and early food handle, including wee targets, daily water charts, vein water changes, move from clear drinks to mouth food by ERAS, and when to hold or change advance.
Urine output targets and oliguria responseAccurate intake and output charting methodsIV fluid review and adjustment each shiftStepwise diet advancement per ERASRed flags requiring diet regression or NPOLesson 8Nursing-led discharge readiness elements for 48-hour window: pain control, oral intake, mobilization, wound/stoma basicsWe outline nursing-led rules for check go-home ready near 48 hours, including pain hold, mouth eat take, move marks, wound and bag self-care basics, and team work for safe go.
Pain control targets and oral regimen stabilityMinimum oral intake and hydration criteriaMobility milestones and functional statusPatient ability with wound and stoma basicsDischarge teaching, checklists, and referralsLesson 9Prevention of pulmonary complications: incentive spirometry, deep breathing and coughing techniques, chest physiotherapy frequency, oxygen therapy targetsWe handle stop of after-op lung problems through breath machine, deep breath and cough ways, chest physio times, place, and oxygen goals fit for digestive ward patients.
Risk factors for postoperative pulmonary issuesTeaching incentive spirometry step by stepSupported coughing and splinting techniquesPositioning, ambulation, and chest therapyOxygen targets and weaning on the wardLesson 10Pain management plan on the ward: epidural management protocols, transition to oral analgesia, dosing, breakthrough pain assessment and documentationWe cover mixed pain handle on ward, including epidural and area ways, change to mouth pain meds, dose times, break-through pain check, side watch, and records to push healing and move.
Pain assessment tools and target scoresEpidural and regional analgesia monitoringTransition from IV or epidural to oral drugsManaging breakthrough and incident painMonitoring adverse effects and documentation
