Perioperative Medicine Web-Based Curriculum & Reference

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PERIOPERATIVE MEDICINE

Web-Based Curriculum & Reference

Editors

Kurt J. Pfeifer, MD, FACP

Steven L. Cohn, MD, FACP

Medical College of Wisconsin

State University of New York - Downstate

Pregnancy

Michael P. Carson, MD & David A. Halle, MD

	RISK MANAGEMENT
	Postoperative Management

	POSTOPERATIVE MONITORING
	Monitor closely for signs and symptoms of common postoperative complications in pregnant patients:
	Deep venous thrombosis Pulmonary embolism Pulmonary edema Fetal distress (continue FHR monitoring) Hypertension (preeclampsia)
	PREVENTIVE MEASURES
	Incentive spirometry to prevent atelectasis & pneumonia. Decubitus positioning to prevent aortocaval compression. Adequate pain control to prevent hypertension.


Sudden onset of shortness of breath should prompt an evaluation
Consider pulmonary embolism. Consider non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema: If tocolytics were administered CXR shows bilateral lower lobe infiltrates without “cephalization”.