Examples: Total Hip/Knee Replacement, Spinal Fusion, Fracture Internal Fixation.

The primary focus is on mobility, pain control, and DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) prevention.

• Mobilization Protocols: Assisting with physician-prescribed "Weight Bearing as Tolerated" (WBAT) exercises and safe transfer techniques.
• Anticoagulation Management: Administration of blood thinners (e.g., Clexane injections) and monitoring for signs of clots (swelling/redness in calves).
• Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Proper utilization of walkers, CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) machines, and ice-compression units.
• Wound Monitoring: Ensuring surgical clips or staples remain intact and dry to prevent bone-site infections.

Examples: CABG (Open Heart), Valve Replacement, Thoracotomy.

This high-acuity care focuses on hemodynamic stability and pulmonary hygiene.

• Sternal Precautions: Teaching the patient how to move and "splint" their chest with a pillow during coughing to protect the surgical site.
• Respiratory Therapy: Incentive Spirometry (IS) coaching and deep breathing exercises to prevent atelectasis or pneumonia.
• Balance (I/O): Precise tracking of fluid intake and output, especially for patients on diuretics to prevent heart failure exacerbation.
• Invasive Line Care: Monitoring for infection at the site of chest tubes or central venous catheters.

Examples: Laparoscopy, Colectomy, Bariatric Surgery, Hernia Repair.

The focus is on bowel function recovery and nutritional titration.

• Gastrointestinal Monitoring: Tracking the return of bowel sounds and managing the "clear liquid to soft food" transition.
• Drain Management: Expert care of Jackson-Pratt (JP) or Hemovac drains, including measuring output, maintaining bulb suction (negative pressure), and assessing the color and consistency of fluid to catch internal leaks or bleeding early.
• Incision Integrity: Monitoring for signs of dehiscence (opening of the wound) or infection, which is a higher risk in abdominal surgeries due to intra-abdominal pressure.
• Early Ambulation: Encouraging walking as soon as permitted to stimulate peristalsis and prevent post-operative ileus (bowel paralysis).

Examples: Craniotomy, Laminectomy, VP Shunt Insertion.

The focus is on neurological vigilance and detecting subtle shifts in intracranial status.

• Neurological Checks: Regular assessment of GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale), pupillary response, and motor strength to monitor for post-op swelling or hemorrhage.
• Seizure Precautions: Implementation of safety protocols and timely administration of anti-epileptic medications.
• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Monitoring: Monitoring surgical dressings for "halo signs" or clear drainage that could indicate a CSF leak.

Examples: Mastectomy, Flap Reconstruction, Burn Grafting.

The focus is on tissue perfusion and preserving the integrity of the surgical "flap" or graft.

• Perfusion Monitoring: Assessing the color, temperature, and capillary refill of the surgical site every hour to ensure blood flow is optimized.
• Positioning Protocols: Ensuring the patient is positioned to avoid any pressure or "kinking" of blood vessels supplying the reconstructed area.
• Compression Management: Proper application of specialized surgical bras, binders, or compression garments to minimize lymphedema and seroma formation.