- Describe the care that he will require preoperatively.
On admission the nurse needs to introduce herself to Isaac and his parents, building a professional rapport with them and orientating them to the ward area and Isaac’s allocated bed space. Isaac’s baseline observations of temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and capillary refill will need to be recorded (on a Paediatric Early Warning Score chart) as well as height and weight measurements. Isaac will need to be prepared for theatre as outlined in Chapter 15.
- Explain the care that his parents will require during his hospital stay.
Whilst Isaac is in hospital they are likely to be emotionally fragile, so the nurse needs to be understanding and empathetic. The period of surgery will be of particular concern for them and the nurse should ensure that they have a realistic idea of how long the surgery will take and reassure them that they can accompany her/him to collect Isaac from theatre as soon as he has recovered.
Isaac’s parents will also need to be forewarned that he will have an intravenous infusion, when he can eat and drink and be encouraged to be involved in his care such as monitoring his fluid input and urinary output. One of his parents is likely to be resident during his hospital stay and the nurse, as part of family centred care, needs to ensure that his parent(s) have access to sleep and food facilities. Regular explanations and updates need to be provided regarding Isaac’s recovery and discharge preparation.
