Learning Resources

Clinical Flowchart – Post-Operative Care

Post-Operative Surgical Patient Flowchart

Clinical reasoning & physiotherapy approach

Clinical Reasoning: Post-Operative Care Immediate Post-Op Check Airway • Breathing • Circulation Level of consciousness • Pain score ⚠️ RED FLAGS? Airway compromise • Hypotension • Severe bleeding If YES → Urgent escalation (resus/senior review) Observations SpO₂, RR, HR, BP, Temp, Pain, Wound site Early Warning Score protocol Subjective Assessment Pain description & control Nausea, dizziness, urinary/bowel status Patient concerns & goals Objective Assessment Inspection: wound dressing, drains, lines Palpation: tenderness, swelling Respi: chest expansion, incentive spirometry Mobility: ability to sit/stand, early ambulation Clinical Interpretation Stable recovery vs complications (bleeding, infection, DVT/PE) Pain control adequacy Post-Op Management Analgesia optimisation • Early mobilisation Resp physiotherapy: breathing exercises, airway clearance Wound care, drain checks • Hydration & nutrition Education: activity limits, red-flag warning advice SMART Goals & Review Pain < 4/10 • Mobilise independently Good wound healing • Effective respiratory function Reassess obs, wound, function, patient feedback Improving Progress recovery plan Encourage independence Not Improving Escalate to surgical team Investigations / intervention
  • SpO₂ – Oxygen saturation
  • RR – Respiratory Rate
  • HR – Heart Rate
  • BP – Blood Pressure
  • DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis
  • PE – Pulmonary Embolism
  • Early Warning Score – System to identify deteriorating patients
  • Incentive spirometry – Device to encourage deep breathing
  • Analgesia – Pain relief medication
  • Ambulation – Walking/mobilisation
  • TENS – Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation