Preoperative Preparations for Cesarean Section: Ensuring Patient Readiness
Before a patient goes to the Operating Room for a cesarean section, there are several critical preparations that the nurse must complete. These preparations are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby. Whether the cesarean section is planned or emergent, the nurse’s role in these preparations is crucial.
Preoperative Instructions
Firstly, the nurse must ensure the patient receives appropriate preoperative instructions. This includes ensuring that the patient has fasted for the recommended period before the surgery (IWK Health, 2018). The nurse should also provide clear instructions on hygiene, such as showering with an antiseptic soap before coming to the hospital. Additionally, the nurse should explain the procedure, address any concerns or questions the patient may have, and obtain informed consent.
Vital Sign Assessment
Secondly, the nurse must assess the patient’s vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature. This information is crucial for establishing a baseline and identifying abnormalities that may require intervention during or after the procedure. Next, the nurse must prepare the patient physically for the surgery. This involves inserting a urinary catheter to ensure the bladder is empty during the procedure. The nurse should also prepare the patient’s abdomen by clipping the hair and cleaning the skin with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.
Emotional Support
Emotionally, the nurse plays a significant role in supporting the patient before a cesarean section. This may involve providing reassurance, answering questions, and addressing the patient’s fears or anxieties. The nurse should also involve the patient’s partner or support person in the process, ensuring they can ask questions and provide emotional support to the patient.
Postoperative Support: Addressing Physical and Emotional Needs
In the postoperative phase, whether planned or emergent, the nurse must continue to provide physical and emotional support to the patient. Physically, the nurse should monitor the patient’s vital signs, assess the incision site for signs of infection or complications, and administer pain medication as necessary (St. Luke’s—Duluth, MN, 2019). The nurse should also encourage early ambulation to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis.
Emotionally, the nurse should provide a safe and supportive environment for patients to express their feelings and concerns. This may involve active listening, offering comfort measures such as providing blankets or pillows and facilitating bonding between the mother and baby.
References
IWK Health. (2018). Postpartum caesarean birth [Video]. YouTube. Web.
St. Luke’s – Duluth, MN. (2019). Into the OR | A Planned C-Section Experience [Video]. YouTube. Web.