Nursing actions in the perioperative period and in preparing prostatectomy patients for discharge

Abstract

Objective. To identify nursing actions in the perioperative period and in preparing prostatectomy patients for discharge.  Methodology. Cross-sectional, retrospective study. Data were collected from medical record of patients who underwent partial or total prostatectomy between August 2009 and August 2010 at hospitals in Divinopolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil.  Results. A total of 121 patients were identified; the mean age was 67 years. The most frequent diagnosis was prostate cancer (70%). Main preoperative activities were measuring vital signs (55%), administering drugs (52%), educating patients about fasting (50%), and managing edema (45%). After surgery, the most frequent tasks were measuring vital signs (100%), measuring urine and emptying the urinary bag (100% for each), facilitating the healing of surgical wounds (77%), and evaluating Penrose drain discharge (48%). Among the 25 types of care observed, the activity that nurses performed most often for patients about to be discharged was providing education about urinary catheter manipulation (16%).  Conclusion. This study identified weaknesses in care delivery for prostatectomy patients, particularly regarding home care education.