Medsurg nursing : official journal of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses
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In order to counsel the surgical patient, the nurse needs to have a clear picture of home recovery based on the patient's biophysiologic health problems. The purpose of this study was to examine short-stay surgery patients' experiences of pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and problems with elimination and wound healing during a 1-week recovery phase at home.
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Surgery triggers neuroendocrine, metabolic, and immunologic responses, with considerable effects on normal fluid distribution. Of clinical significance to the nurse is the distribution of fluids from the vascular space during the immediate postoperative period, and their return to the circulation approximately 48 to 72 hours later. Understanding the physiological and clinical significance of fluid shifts during the perioperative period allows the nurse to provide effective patient care.