Surgery Observation Paper

Surgery/ Endoscopy Observation Experience
By: Courtney Unger
During my clinical day, this week, I was able to observe many different procedures that
took place. Throughout the day I observed many different physicians and nurses and
techniques used in order to treat the patients and their underlying problems. By observing the
procedures, I got to acknowledge the different ways and preferences in which the physicians
would care for their patients.
One procedure that I found the most interesting throughout the day was called a TURP.
This procedure was done due to the patient suffering from BPH or benign prostate hyperplasia.
Because of his enlarged prostate he was having problems urinating and medication did not help
his prostate decrease in size. During this procedure, a resectoscope is inserted through the tip
of the penis, into the urethra, and lastly into the prostate area. Once inserted, the doctor than
uses the resectoscope to trim away excess prostate tissue that was blocking the patient’s urine
flow. It was definitely interesting to observe and the physician talked to me step by step
throughout the procedure. While doing the procedure, they also had a urinary irrigation going
for the patient. Upon talking to the nurses in the room, they explained that the bladder
irrigation was used in order to prevent clot retention due to the potential of the prostate gland
to bleed in the postoperative period. After the whole procedure, they ended by putting in a
three-way catheter. Before inserting, the nurse explained to me the purpose of the three-way
catheter and that they use it irrigate the bladder. The catheter simultaneously allows fluid to
run until and drain out of the bladder, which is something I have never seen before.
The only preparation I saw before the procedure was the preparation of the sterile field
area/ table which contained all the needed utensils. I was able to see the “timeout” period
where they stated the patients name, date of birth, and the procedure taking place. During the
procedure, the anesthesiologist was in the room as well as the physician, the scrub nurse, and
the circulating nurse. Overall, the communication and environment while in the room was
amazing. The doctor was fantastic and wanted to teach as well as the nurses. They liked to have
a normal conversation while still concentrating and stating just exactly what they were doing
and why. The nurses also were familiar with the physician so they knew what his preferences
were on for equipment (such as the catheter used). I think this helped the surgery run smoothly
and quickly.
During the preoperative stage, I noticed the nurse going over everything with the
patient and asking them questions that were important such as whether they met with the
anesthesiologist, if they knew what was being done, and if they were cold and needed a
blanket. Not only did she ask the patient about the procedure but she also just had a
conversation about him to relieve their stress or anxiety that was occurring pre-operatively.
During the surgery, the nurse continuously monitored the patient while keeping an eye on their
monitor as well. She not only monitored the patient was watched the procedure and helped
talk me through the importance of what the physician was doing. During every stage, they
made sure the patient was in safe hands by doing such things like; making sure the break was
on the bed before transferring the patient, having assistance while transferring the patient,
continuously orienting the patient that was coming out of anesthesia, and so on. After surgery,
they wanted to bring the patient as much comfort as possible such as a heated blanket, and
repositioning their pillow. Throughout surgery, they also made sure the environment was
sterile and nothing was getting contaminated.
Going into surgery, I was anxious and didn’t know what to expect. I was also excited
since it was something completely new and different than what we have been doing the last
two semesters. Observing the nurses and just the surgeries in general was very fascinating.
Although I am unsure of what kind of nurse I would like to be, I think being a surgical nurse
would be up on my list. I overall had a great experience and the staff was supportive in my
learning throughout the day

Surgery Observation Paper

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Surgery Observation Paper

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Surgery Observation Paper

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Surgery/ Endoscopy Observation Experience

By: Courtney Unger

would care for their patients.

sterile and nothing was getting contaminated.

learning throughout the day

You might also like