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Ashley Wolanzyk Surgery Observation
Ashley Wolanzyk Surgery Observation
Ashley Wolanzyk
Last week at clinical I observed the operating rooms in the surgical unit. I will be
discussing the first patient I observed for this summary and review. The patient was an older
male who came to St. Elizabeth Main Hospital for a robotic laparoscopy surgery. The patient had
diagnostic procedure used to examine inside the abdomen. Laparoscopies are generally low-risk
tube with a light and camera on the end. The instrument is inserted through a very small incision
in the abdominal wall. The laparoscope is moved around inside the patient’s body so that the
doctor can see inside without having to open the patient up. The camera connects to a monitor
that allows the doctor to see. Laparoscopy also allows doctors to take biopsy samples from inside
the patient’s body. A laparoscopy is usually performed to detect the cause of abdominal pain and
To prepare for a laparoscopy, doctors usually have the patient discontinue any
medications that affect blood clotting such as anticoagulants or aspirin. This is so that the patient
will not excessively bleed when the incision is made during the procedure. Before the procedure,
doctors may order blood tests, urinalysis, EKG, X-ray, or imaging tests such as ultrasound, cat
scan, or MRI. These preparations steps allow the doctor better visibility of what to expect during
the procedure. Tests run prior to laparoscopies allow better effectiveness for the procedure.
When the patient arrives for the procedure, an IV will be started if the patient does not already
have established IV access. The patient is then administered a pain reliever and a sedative to
SURGERY OBSERVATION EXPERIENCE 3
prepare for surgery. The patient is taken into the operating room where they are then positioned,
during this procedure. The nurses assisted the physician with the scope and the procedure itself.
They ensured the sterile fields were maintained, and helped each other and the physician dress in
their sterile gowns and gloves. The circulating nurse was labeling biopsies, handling paperwork,
and mainly assisting/caring for and monitoring the patient. The communication between the
nurses and physician was very clear and informative. They moved together fluently and
efficiently as a true surgical team. The communication between the nurses was also exemplary.
The circulating nurse was focused on patient safety before, during, and after the
procedure. She put the bed rails up when the patient was transferred. She placed pillows and
foam underneath the patient and positioned him in the most comfortable way allowed for the
procedure. It was paramount to have the patient strapped down during this procedure. She
ensured that the IV, oxygen, drains, and other monitor lines were not entangled when the patient
was being moved and positioned. She constantly monitored patient vitals and assessed him for
any changes throughout the procedure. The nurse acted as a patient advocate by ensuring patient
privacy. At one instance, another nurse went to move the patient and he became completely
exposed beneath the waist. The nurse advocated for the patient by going over and adjusting the