Post Operative washes???

Hypnopompic · Oct 31, 2002

Thank you very much for your input. It is common practice he as well, I was just trying to research the history behind it (it's purpose). I think we do it here for patient comfort as well but if it is uncomfortable for the patient then why do??? I just think sometimes we do things just because we always have and I feel it is thinks like this that waste nurse's valuable time and if we can cut some of the unnecessary stuff out then time would be less of an issue. Thanks again for a different perspective. :D

Hypnopompic · Oct 31, 2002

Thank you very much for your input. It is common practice he as well, I was just trying to research the history behind it (it's purpose). I think we do it here for patient comfort as well but if it is uncomfortable for the patient then why do??? I just think sometimes we do things just because we always have and I feel it is thinks like this that waste nurse's valuable time and if we can cut some of the unnecessary stuff out then time would be less of an issue. Thanks again for a different perspective. :D

LydiaGreen · Nov 6, 2003

I am a nursing student who will graduate in May. I have done the vast majority of my clinical placements in Med/Surg. We perform post-op washes WITHOUT EXCEPTION. The betadine solution and other antiseptic washes used prior to surgery to ensure sterile field for surgery can BURN the skin. The longer they are left on, the more they can burn. When the post-op wash is done (preferably while the surgical client is still feeling the effects of general anesthesia, epidural, or pain meds) you must perform an assessment not just of the surgical wounds, etc, but of the skin. We have standardized forms to report ANY reaction to the antiseptic solutions. These are tracked - if a certain percentage of burns occur, then the solution used may be changed.

If the client doesn't feel like a post-op wash, we do client teaching about the possible effects of the betadine, that the risk of these possible effects increases directly in proportion to the amount of time that passes. That makes them WANT the post-op wash.

A little advice? The antiseptic solution pools under the body. Even if the surgery was performed on the abdomen, there will be a pool of betadine under their back. One patient had a really strong reaction - wasn't my patient, I was assisting an RN - resulted in second degree chemical burns. NOT NICE. The post-op wash is important and should be done ASAP.

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Nov 6, 2003

Interesting ! Must say, I have never heard of this before...ever.

Thanks for the input... will have to ask around now, and see what our perspective is on this topic ! :)

Sarah, RNBScN · Nov 6, 2003

In the OR, the scrub nurse attempts to wash the patient as thoroughly as possible prior to applying a sterile drsg. since the patients wake up rather quickly and we like to transfer them while they are still sleepy.

On the floor, when a patient returns from the OR a post op bath is usually performed once the patient is sedated. This allows the nurse to assess the pt, and drsg. while the bath is being done. It is true from "Lydia Green" post that the betadine solution is very irritating to the skin and must be washed off as soon as possible.

Most post bath that I have done, pt. seem more settled and relaxed with sedation of course.

Hope this helps.

Sarah

RNinRubySlippers, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2003

Thanks for that info! I have never been told or read this! It is policy to give our post-op patients baths when they return. I am a 2nd year student, and this is all I knew of it....Just for pt comfort and to get the dye off....hmmmmm I am gonna bring this up at conference! Thanks!