Tips for Avoiding Complications after Surgery:
1.) Breath - Deep coughing, commonly referred to as "a cough and deep breathe," is encouraged at this 
time. Coughing expands the lungs and helps prevent pneumonia and other breathing difficulties patients face after surgery. Breathing treatments may be given to help open the lungs and make breathing easier.
2.) Incision care is very important after surgery, as well. Depending on the nature of the surgery, the bandage may be changed frequently or only when ordered by the surgeon. It may be helpful for the patient to watch the staff change the dressing if the task will continue to be required after discharge.
3.) Hydration - A common result of pain medication and anesthesia is constipation and difficulty urinating, so clear fluids will be encouraged and a mild stool softener may be prescribed by the surgeon. If the patient is unable to empty his/her bladder, a catheter may be reinserted. In addition to temporary bladder paralysis, the digestive tract is often slow to “wake” from anesthesia. Once the digestive system is moving again the patient is typically allowed to begin a clear liquid diet and progress to a normal diet.
Prior to discharge, it is essential that any special requirements for returning home are addressed. If the patient needs oxygen, a special bed or any other equipment, the hospital will provide assistance arranging for it prior to discharge.
BrightStar Care of Bethesda / Silver Spring provides transitional care services to help support a patient following hospitalization or a stay in a rehabilitation center. Leaving the hospital or a skilled nursing facility to go home can lead to stress, but BrightStar Care helps insure a safe transition home. Our Nurse-Led care team will help reduce undesirable outcomes like re-hospitalization, medication errors, falls, and oversee meals and home care. We offer the services and support needed to make a safe and healthy recovery at home and lower the likelihood of a return trip to the hospital.
Find out more about our Transitional Care Services - CLICK HERE