Anaesthetists Handbook - MEDICAL EDUCATION at University ...

Pain management and postoperative care• Training and education of relevant nursing staff will be carriedout by the Pain Management Team. Training will include thetechnique, care of the patient, possible side effects andexplanation of the handover sheet.The anaesthetist must:Document the dose of drug and technique employed clearly on theanaesthetic chart and communicate this to the recovery staff.• Ensure that the patient is nursed in a level 1 or level 2 area, orother specifically designated area for initial patient monitoring.This will usually be for 24 hours. The patient may be dischargedto a general ward when his/her condition has been deemedstable by a senior medical practitioner.• Ensure that the patient is not experiencing moderate or severepain when discharged from theatre• Review the drugs kardex and prescribe appropriatesupplementary analgesia, anti-emetics and instructions clearly.• Prescribe oxygen therapy for at least the first post operativenight unless a medical contraindication exists.• Ensure intravenous access is established and patent.• Ensure intrathecal opiate analgesia transfer sheet has beencompleted and signed.The qualified nurse responsible for the patient must:• Not accept a patient from recovery who is experiencingmoderate or severe pain• Record and document respiratory rate, blood pressure andpulse rate, pain and sedation score at least hourly for the first 12hours, 2 hourly for the next 12 hours and thereafter as dictatedby the patient’s condition.• Have knowledge of the pain and sedation scoring systems andbe able to interpret and act upon observations.112 Anaesthetists Handbook January 2010