Curriculum Objective
Objective
Clerkship Objectives
Clerkship Objectives
Post Operative Complications
- Indicates most relevant
Related Objectives
Parent Objective
Child Objectives
- Describe the differential diagnosis of a patient having postoperative fever. For each entity, discuss the clinical manifestations, appropriate diagnostic work-up, and management: Within 24 hours: response to surgical trauma; atelectasis; necrotizing wound infections. Between 24 and 72 hours: pulmonary disorders (atelectasis, pneumonia); catheter related complications (IV-phlebitis, Foley-UTI). After 72 hours: infectious (UTI, pneumonia, wound infection, deep abscess, anastomotic leak, prosthetic infection, parotitis); noninfectious (deep vein thrombosis).
- Discuss the following wound complications in terms of predisposing risk factors (patient condition, type of operation, technique), as well as their recognition, treatment, and prevention: hematoma and seroma; wound infection; dehiscence; incisional hernia.
- Discuss the various causes of respiratory distress and respiratory insufficiency that may occur in the postoperative patient. For each complication, describe the etiology, clinical presentation, management, and methods of prevention: atelectasis; pneumonia; aspiration; pulmonary edema; pulmonary embolism (including deep venous thrombosis); fat embolism.
- Discuss the diagnostic work-up and treatment of oliguria in the postoperative period. Include pre-renal, renal, and post-renal causes (including urinary retention).
- Discuss the possible causes of hypotension which may occur in the postoperative period. For each etiology describe its pathophysiology and treatment: hypovolemia; sepsis; cardiogenic shock - including postoperative myocardial infarction; fluid overload; arrhythmias; pericardial tamponade; medication effects
- Describe the management of postoperative chest pain.
- Describe factors which can lead to abnormal bleeding postoperatively, and discuss its prevention and management: Surgical site - inherited and acquired factor deficiencies; DIC; transfusion reactions; operative technique; gastroduodenal (i.e. stress ulcerations)
- Discuss disorders of alimentary tract function following laparotomy which may produce nausea, vomiting, and/or abdominal distension: paralytic ileus; acute gastric dilatation; intestinal obstruction; fecal impaction
- Describe the factors which can give rise to alterations in cognitive function postoperatively, as well as their evaluation and treatment. Alterations in cognitive function: hypoxia; metabolic; alcohol withdrawal; hyponatremia
