Pre-admission Testing and Teaching for Surgical Procedures

For patients scheduled for surgery, pre-admission testing is performed in the Day Surgery area of the Shelton Building at 2000 Pine.

You will be scheduled for a pre-admission visit prior to your surgery. Testing will be performed during this visit. A nurse will teach you about your procedure and review the results of your tests. If there is any abnormality, the nurse will notify your physician and, if needed, contact you. You may have one or more of the following tests: blood tests, EKG and X-ray. Other tests may be done and will be explained to you at the time.

All paperwork and financial preparation will be done during pre-admission testing. This allows you to go directly to your room the day of your admission. Please make sure you or your physician have pre-certified your stay or procedure with your insurance company, as this is your responsibility. If you need further financial assistance, we will refer you to a financial counselor.

Consents and permits: We will witness that you understand what your physician will be doing during your procedure or surgery. If you have questions, please ask. If we cannot clarify, we will call the physician. Your permit will include a permit for blood or blood products.

Before your surgery:

• Do not eat or drink after midnight before your surgery. Please tell us if your physician has instructed you to have any food or drink at all.
• Do not wear colored nail polish or make up.
• Be aware of which medications to take and which not to take.

When you get to your room a nurse will verify the information on the nursing history and perform a physical assessment. You will be asked to empty your bladder and put on a hospital gown. You may have an IV started in your room. However, this may wait until you get to surgery. Your family has the option to remain in your room or go to the surgical waiting room. Surgery and Recovery Room will call to inform your family about your condition. Please tell your family to let the nurses on the unit know where they will be.

Your Surgery
When you are ready for surgery, you will be taken to the "holding" area of the surgical suite. The anesthesiologist will visit with you about your anesthesia. Please inform him/her of any problems you've had with anesthesia. At least one hour prior to your surgery, the surgical staff will discuss information given at PAT time, start an IV, perform a skin prep and other procedures required before surgery. The staff will be wearing caps, masks and gowns. The operating room has bright lights, lots of equipment and is very cold. Sticky pads will be attached to you to monitor your heart rate and rhythm.

After Surgery
After your surgery, you will be taken to the Recovery Room to wake up from your anesthesia where specially trained nurses will monitor you. If you have general anesthesia, you will have a tube in your airway to assure you can breathe. Usually by the time you wake up, it will already be removed. Because of this, you may have some soreness in your throat. When you feel cold and shaky, ask the nurse for warm blankets. If you feel pain, tell the nurse. Usually, you will be able to take pain medication. We want you to be as comfortable as possible.

Your Recovery
There are things you can do to speed your recovery. You will need to turn every one to two hours. You must take at least five deep breaths every one to two hours. This will help prevent pneumonia and improve circulation. Use a pillow or folded sheet to support your incision when you breathe deeply, cough, laugh or move.

You will need to walk as soon as you are allowed. Walking promotes circulation and normal body functioning, especially your bowels and bladder. Your physician will give you fluids and food as soon as you can tolerate them or when he feels you are ready.

If you are an outpatient, you may go home the afternoon of your surgery. Please make sure someone will be here to drive you home. Sometimes the physician may feel you need to stay overnight. Before you leave the hospital, you will be told about your:

• Diet
• Activities
  
• Medications
  
• Bathing
  
• Incision site
  
• Dressing
  
• Dr. visit/stitches removal
  
• Return to work