Lauren Hinojosa

ISM- Period 1

Admin, Oakbend Medical Center. “Why Is Ambulation Important to Recovery?”

Oakbend Medical Center, Oakbend Medical Center, 24 May 2018,

www.oakbendmedcenter.org/why-is-ambulation-important-to-recovery/.

• Ambulation- the ability to walk from place to place independently, with or

without assistive devices.
• Early walking after surgery is an important thing patients can do after surgery to
prevent postoperative complications.
• Walking promotes blood flow of oxygen throughout the body.
• Walking promotes circulation of blood, which in turn prevents clots.
• Increased blood flow shortens the time it takes wounds to heal.
• Ambulation can help patients, particularly seniors, with joint flexibility.
• Movement can increase appetite.
• Patients that take part in early ambulation are generally discharged sooner, as
indicated by a 2010 research article that found that senior patients could be
discharged about two days earlier if they increased their walking by 600 steps in
the first two days of recovery.
• The risk of getting pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, is largely increased
when a patient is not walking or moving after surgery.
• Early walking during recovery can decrease pain from gas and constipation.
• Post-operative ambulation is especially beneficial to elderly patients.
• Movement is proven to improve blood flow and circulation, which decreases the
chance of developing venous stasis and venous thrombosis.
• Patients who walk after surgery have a lower chance of developing a urinary
infection.
• Walking rebuilds muscle tone and strength.
• Walking is good for joint mobility and posture because it is a low-intensity
activity that doesn’t put pressure on a patient’s joints and back.
• Many functions of the body, such as gastrointestinal and genitourinary ones, are
improved by walking.
• Ambulation helps seniors with coordination and balance, therefore helping to
prevent falls.
• Improves patients’ moods and feelings of confidence and independence
• Putting weight on bones will help the body retain minerals so the patient isn’t at
risk for developing osteoporosis.
• Walking is encouraged at many healthcare facilities.

This source was exceptionally informational and well organized, however I would
have liked it to focus more on the effects of ambulation on reducing pain.
 Lauren Hinojosa
ISM- Period 1

Garimella, Veerabhadram, and Christina Cellini. “Postoperative Pain Control.” Clinics in

Colon and Rectal Surgery, Thieme Medical Publishers, Sept. 2013,

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3747287/.

• Acute pain- “…pain present in a surgical patient after a procedure.”

• Postoperative pain management is a highly monitored quality measure because if
treated well, it results in higher patient satisfaction as well as shortened hospital
visits and reduced costs.
• The 10-point pain assessment scale is the most common assessment of pain after
surgery.
• Administering analgesia/pain medication before surgery or pain is expected has
been proven to reduce later discomfort.
• The majority of immediate postoperative pain medication is opioid based.
• Opioids can be administered “…via oral, transdermal, parenteral, neuraxial, and
rectal routes.”
• The most common opioids given to patients intravenously is morphine,
hydromorphone (also known as dilaudid), and fentanyl.
• The most significant side effect of opioids is respiratory depression.
• Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
• Because the long-term usage of opioids can lead to addiction, patients are taken
off as soon as possible.
• NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents) are sometimes used in place of
opioids to reduce dependency on them while still relieving small to moderate
levels of pain.
• The most significant side effect of NSAIDS is the increased risk of bleeding
because of their antiplatelet effect.
• Ketorolac and acetaminophen are the most common NSAIDS.
• Ketorolac is injectable, nonsteroidal, and anti-inflammable.
• Oral acetaminophen is a common method of post-op pain relief.
• Obese patients are at higher risk for sleep apnea and respiratory depression,
therefore it is important to closely monitor these patients in post-op recovery.
• Patients with chronic pain also need to be closely monitored because they require
a higher dosage than the average patient.
• All of these pain relievers are effective, however, it is up to the patient’s doctors
and surgeons to determine the best method for them.
I enjoyed reading this article- although long, it gave me extremely relevant information
that opened my eyes to the different factors that are assessed in making a pain-
management plan.
 Lauren Hinojosa
ISM- Period 1

American Society of Anesthesiologists. “Post-Op Pain: Management & Recovery After

and Operation – When Seconds Count.” When Seconds Count | Anesthesia, Pain

Management, & Surgery, www.asahq.org/whensecondscount/pain-

management/types-of-pain/post-op/.

• If not treated correctly, post-operative pain can turn into chronic pain.
• The physician anesthesiologist will choose what pain medication is appropriate
for each patient based on the surgery they have, their pain level, health status, and
history.
• Post-operative pain can be managed with over-the-counter medication after the
patient returns home.
• Motrin (more commonly known as ibuprofen) is also used commonly for patients
with lower, more manageable pain in the hospital.
• Acetaminophen (aka Tylenol) and Bayer (aspirin) can help reduce inflammation
and swelling.
• Some patients are given a “pain pump” after surgery that allows you to give
yourself a dose of medicine when you need it.
• These pumps are pre-programmed to stop administering medication at a certain
point so the patient can’t overdose.
• The physician anesthesiologist works with your surgeon, nurses, and other
healthcare professionals in order to give each patient the best possible care.
• Heating pads and ice packs can also be used in place of medication to reduce
aches and swelling.
• Patients who undergo a major surgery such as a hip or knee replacement or other
major organ procedure are at risk for the highest pain levels.
• Relaxation exercises and movement (ambulation) is another method of controlling
pain without use of opioids or less intense pain medications.
• Pain medication is usually administered intravenously for the first day or two of
recovery.
• Opioids stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain, which reduces the
patient’s discomfort.

Despite the short length of this article, this information was clear and straight to the
point- perfect for adding in details to my powerpoint.