In the post-anaesthesia care unit, as a student nurse, I was assigned to monitor and engage in the recovery process of post-operative patients under the guidance of a senior nurse. Primary responsibilities encompassed monitoring the patient’s vital signs, evaluating pain levels, giving prescribed medications, and doing the ABCDE assessment to guarantee patient stability. In one instance, I was assigned to evaluate a patient exhibiting signs of discomfort and distress shortly post-surgery, necessitating prompt pain management and a comprehensive ABCDE assessment. first experienced a mixture of excitement and fear over the management of patient care in a critical situation. I was concerned about correctly assessing pain and administering drugs without mistakes, fearing the retention of each phase of the ABCDE assessment under pressure. Following guidance from the senior nurse, I began to feel more assured, emphasising the significance of implementing theoretical knowledge in practice. Upon finishing the experience, I felt more confident and pleased with their contribution to patient comfort and stability. The positive features encompassed the practical opportunity to conduct the ABCDE assessment, enhancing my comprehension of systematic patient evaluation. Nurse supervisors offered assistance and direction, increasing my confidence in clinical decision-making, especially with pain management and drug administration. Challenges arose in integrating the importance of quick responses with comprehensive assessment, as well as in successfully managing patient discomfort without excessive dependence on pharmaceuticals.
Pain Management: The evaluation of pain was important for the patient’s recovery process. As a student nurse, I used the Numerical Pain Rating Scale to assess the patient’s pain levels and provided analgesics as per the prescription. This experience underscored the significance of individualised pain management; each patient’s pain threshold differs, and monitoring non-verbal indicators, such as facial expressions and body language, was essential. It emphasised the need for timing in pain treatment to prevent potential consequences, such as respiratory distress, resulting from severe pain or incorrect medicine administration.
Medication Management: Administering drugs in a recovery setting demands careful adherence to the Five Rights of Medication Administration (correct patient, correct drug, correct dose, correct route, correct time). Throughout the experience, as a student nurse, I verified drugs with the senior nurse to ensure precision. The experience demonstrated the necessity for attentiveness and accurate records to assess the effectiveness and side effects of medications, especially opioids, which necessitate careful monitoring for adverse reactions such as respiratory depression.
Airway: Confirming the airway was clean and that the patient could sustain it autonomously. Patient positioning and suction were utilised as necessary. Monitoring breathing rate, depth, and symmetry facilitated the early detection of respiratory complications. Supplemental oxygen was administered to certain individuals during post-anaesthesia recovery.
intervention: Consider moving the patient (such as in the recovery position) or using airway adjuncts if necessary if they are sleepy or have changed consciousness.breathing: Verify the depth, effort, and respiratory rate. Keep an ear out for unusual breath sounds, such as wheezing or stridor.
Intervention: If the patient is hypoxic or exhibiting symptoms of respiratory distress, give them more oxygen. Monitor for signs of pneumonia or atelectasis.
Circulation: It was imperative to monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and peripheral perfusion to detect indications of haemorrhage or shock.
intervention: Verify that IV access is patent. Give prescription drugs or fluids as directed. Be vigilant for any signs of shock.
Disability: Evaluating neurological status (utilising AVPU—Alert, Voice, Pain, Unresponsive) facilitated the assessment of the patient’s degree of awareness, which is crucial following anaesthesia.
intervention: Report any notable change in consciousness right away to the medical team. Do a neurological deficiency assessment.
exposure: Check surgical sites for bleeding, drainage, and signs of infection. Ensure the patient is warm and comfortable.
intervention: Maintain patient dignity while exposing areas for examination. Cover them appropriately after assessment.
Assessment: Evaluating the patient’s temperature and integument for indications of infection or hypothermia was essential.
This systematic method facilitated the proper prioritisation of pressing matters and guaranteed that no critical aspect was neglected.
In Conclusion: The experience in the theatre recovery ward imparted essential lessons to me as a student nurse on the relationship among pain management, medication administration, and systematic assessment. Effective pain treatment encompasses more than mere medication; it requires comprehending the unique needs of patients and employing suitable pain assessment scales. Effective medication management necessitates accuracy and collaboration, particularly with high-risk drugs such as opioids. The ABCDE assessment framework was a pragmatic and methodical technique that bolstered confidence and facilitated fast, high-quality patient treatment.
