Improper Monitoring of a Patient During or After Surgery

Even a relatively minor surgical operation causes trauma to the human body, so patients undergoing surgery of any kind must be monitored closely and continuously. While the majority of surgeries are uneventful, that is due, in part, to how well the patients undergoing those surgeries are monitored during and after the operation. General or local anesthesia and other medications used during surgery create their own specific risks and must be carefully watched and controlled.

Monitoring the Patient During Surgery

During surgery, the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and nurses must continuously monitor the patient’s vital signs, including the following:

• Blood pressure;
• Blood oxygen saturation;
• Body temperature;
• Breathing;
• Consciousness; and
• Heart rate and rhythm.

Patients with certain medical conditions may require monitoring of other information during surgery to keep them safe and prevent complications.  Other factors to consider are the length of the surgery, and patients body position during the procedure.

Failing to monitor a patient properly during surgery is a form of surgical malpractice and can cause significant injury to the patient.

Monitoring the Patient After Surgery

After surgery, the patient is transported to a recovery area or special room where he or she can recover and be observed for any postoperative complications. For a period of time after the surgery, specially trained nurses must continuously monitor the patient’s vital signs, including the following:

• Blood pressure;
• Blood oxygen saturation;
• Body temperature;
• Breathing;
• Consciousness;
• Heart rate and rhythm;
• Nausea and vomiting; and
• Pain level.

As during the surgery, patients with certain medical conditions may require monitoring of other signs and symptoms after surgery to keep them safe and prevent complications.

Depending on the type of surgery and the type of anesthesia used, a patient’s stay in the recovery area will vary. A patient must meet certain strict criteria before he or she is discharged from the recovery area.

If the patient is experiencing low body temperature or chills, he or she may be given medications or placed under warm blankets to improve the condition. Patients who are having trouble breathing may be given supplemental oxygen to help them breathe better. Patients who are experiencing nausea may receive anti-nausea medications.

Postoperative pain is common. If a patient is experiencing pain, he or she may be given pain medications to control it.

Contact a Miami Surgery Malpractice Lawyer Today

If you or a loved has been hurt because you were not properly monitored or cared for during or after surgery, please seek appropriate medical treatment immediately. Then please contact us for a consultation about your case. You may phone us at 866-769-0123 (toll-free) or 305-372-0123 (local) or contact us by e-mail to schedule your consultation. The consultation is free and confidential. You can tell us about your experience and we will explain to you how the legal system may handle your case. We look forward to hearing from you.