Download Learning outcomes for theatre experience

The University of Edinburgh
Nursing Studies
School of Health in Social Science
Learning outcomes specific to Theatre Experience
20th February – 1st April 2012
TF January 2012
The University of Edinburgh
Nursing Studies
School of Health in Social Science
Learning outcomes specific to Theatre Experience
The patient presenting for surgery is in a vulnerable position and requires understanding,
care and respect from the theatre team. The nurse working in theatre can have various
roles and may be referred to as a peri-operative nurse, embracing patient focused, holistic
care. A variety of skills are utilised in theatre including clinical, technical, caring,
managerial, organisational and communication skills. Patient safety is paramount and
advocacy is also part off the nurse’s role. The nurse is one of the team contributing to
patient care, safety and recovery as the patient moves through the anaesthetic room,
theatre and recovery area.
The peri-operative role also incorporates part of the patient’s preparation for surgery and
post surgical recovery. Pre-operative visits to patients can be helpful for both patients
and staff; addressing issues of concern, providing information and highlighting any
particular needs. Post-surgical visits allow for any follow-up and feedback to the theatre
staff.
In theatre and during their recovery patients require intensive support and special care in
this unfamiliar environment. Whether a patient will be anaesthetised or not they are
likely to experience a degree of anxiety related to their surgery and some concern about
the lack of control they have in this situation. A caring supportive manner is important
to instil confidence and security in the patient.
During your experience in the operating theatre you should have an opportunity to
contribute to patient care in the anaesthetic room, in theatre and in the recovery area.
Learning outcomes to be achieved during this placement
During the first two days:
Become familiar with the layout and the environment
Become familiar with the emergency procedures in event of fire and cardiac arrest
Throughout the placement
Participate in the team-work involved in the peri-operative care of patients
Explore all learning opportunities available
Learning outcomes are specified under three headings below.
In the Anaesthesia Room
Be able to:
 Receive patients into the anaesthetic room from the ward staff with relevant
information and documentation
 Communicate with patients and provide psychological support
 Check documentation about the patient transferred from the ward
TF January 2012
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Make observations and recordings on the patient’s physical status
Assist the anaesthetic team as appropriate
Assist with the safe positioning of patient
Know the common anaesthetic agents used in theatre and how they act
In the Operating Theatre
Be able to
 Communicate with patients having a local anaesthetic
 Discuss the measures taken to ensure patient safety and follow these procedures
 Understand the use of diathermy and apply the necessary precautions in its use
 Describe/demonstrate the various patient positions used for different types pf
surgery undertaken in the theatre
 Explain and apply the principles of draping prior to surgery
 Explain the procedures to minimise the risk of infection
 Explain and follow the precautions taken when opening sterile equipment
 Explain and follow procedures for dealing with used instruments/equipment
 Describe the significance of swab, needle and instrument counts and participate
in these
 Describe how blood loss is monitored and estimated in theatre
 Understand and maintain the concept of the sterile field
 Discuss the different methods of sterilisation of instruments/equipment and
employ these as appropriate
 Describe the different types of suture materials and their use
 Participate in the duties of a ‘floor’ nurse in theatre
 Participate in the duties of a ‘scrub’ nurse in theatre
 Deal with the collection, labelling and dispatch of specimens
 Describe some of the common surgical procedures including the anatomical
structures involved
 Discuss the implications of the different forms of surgery for aftercare of the
patient
In the Recovery Area
Be able to:
 Check the required appliances/equipment in the recovery room is functioning
and available
 Identify the risks for patients recovering from an anaesthetic
 Manage the recovery of patients from anaesthetic in uncomplicated cases
 Make observations on the patient recovering from anaesthetic and assess their
conscious state, cardiovascular and respiratory status, the status of their wound
and drainage and their experience of pain.
 Contribute to the control of pain and nausea
 Administer medications as appropriate
 Make observations using the Glasgow Coma Scale as appropriate
 Care for patients having oxygen therapy and assess its effectiveness
 Contribute to the case of a patient having assisted/artificial ventilation
 Provide oral suction as required
 Monitor fluid balance
 Report to ward staff with respect to the management of the patient in theatre and
the recovery room on their return to the ward.
TF January 2012