Special care after anaesthesia for older patients
As age increases, the physical and metabolic function of the body diminishes, posing unique challenges to the recovery of older patients from anaesthesia. Therefore, post-operative care for older patients requires special attention to ensure safety and recovery. The following are the main requirements for special post-aesthetic care for older patients:
1. Detailed post-operative monitoring
Vital signs monitoring:
Frequent monitoring: Senior patients are required to monitor vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, breathing frequency and body temperature, frequently after surgery. This helps to detect possible anomalies in a timely manner, such as low blood pressure, poor heart or respiratory inhibition. Place management: Due to the vulnerability of older patients to skin and soft tissue, care should be taken after the operation to adjust the position and to avoid complications due to inappropriate position, such as scabies or leeching.
Neural function monitoring:
Cognitive function: The cognitive function of an older patient needs to be closely observed after the operation, with attention to the presence of post-operative confusion, memory or orientation disorders. These may be manifestations of post-operative cognitive disorders (POCDs) that need to be further assessed and addressed. Pain management
Effective stinging:
Pain assessment: older patients may have different perceptions and expressions of pain. The pain levels of patients are regularly assessed using appropriate pain assessment tools such as visual simulation tables (VAS). Drug Choice: Selecting painkillers for older patients, with attention to dose and side effects. Opioids need to be used with caution to avoid causing respiratory inhibition or dependence.
Non-pharmacological interventions:
Supportive measures: In addition to drug treatment, consider the use of non-pharmacological methods, such as heat dressing, massage and relaxation techniques, to help alleviate post-operative pain. 3. Prevention of post-operative complications
Blood clot prevention:
Mechanical prevention: use of mechanical measures such as ballistic stockings and early activity to reduce the risk of the formation of deep veins. Drug prevention: Depending on the specific situation of the patient, anticondensed drugs may be needed for prevention, but attention is given to the side effects of the drug and its interaction with other drugs.
Respiratory care:
Respiratory training: Patients are encouraged to conduct deep breathing and cough training to help prevent lung infections and post-operative lung failure. (c) Respiration monitoring: observation of the frequency and depth of the patient ‘ s breathing and timely detection of respiratory difficulties or other anomalies. 4. Nutrition and hydrolysis balance
Nutritional support:
Dietary adjustment: Senior patients may experience reduced appetite or difficulty swallowing after surgery. Provide digestive, nutritious diets and ensure that patients receive adequate nutritional support. Hydrological management: close monitoring of water intake and discharge of patients to prevent dehydration or excessive oedema.
Electrolyte monitoring:
Laboratory examinations: Periodic examinations of electrolyte levels in blood, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, etc., to prevent complications arising from electrolyte imbalances. 5. Psychological support
Emotional comfort:
Psychological care: Senior patients may experience anxiety or depression after surgery. Warm care and psychological support are provided to help patients adjust their emotions and promote post-operative recovery. Communication: Effective communication with patients and their families, explaining the post-operative rehabilitation process and the expected results, with a view to increasing the patient ‘ s confidence and cooperation.
Post-operative education:
Care guidance: Provide patients and their families with detailed post-operative care guidance, including injury care, substance use, post-operative activity restrictions, etc., to ensure that patients receive appropriate care in the family environment. Summary
The recovery of older patients from anaesthesia requires special attention and careful care. Careful post-operative monitoring, effective pain management, prevention of post-operative complications, sound nutritional support and comprehensive psychological support can significantly improve the quality of post-operative recovery and quality of life of older patients. Medical personnel need to develop individualized care plans to ensure the safety and health of patients, taking into account their specific circumstances.
