FAILURE TO RESCUE IS DEFINED AS A FAILURE TO IDENTIFY AND INTERVENE APPROPRIATELY; that failure can sometimes lead to patient death. So it's absolutely essential that nurses are aware of potential complications,
monitor patients appropriately, and intervene as needed.
Because postoperative complications are common in the surgical oncology population, a team of researchers recently examined
the most common complications in this patient population. Almost half the patients (48.5%) experienced at least one serious
complication, including gastrointestinal bleeding, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and respiratory compromise. Slightly
more than 3% died within 30 days of hospital admission.
The most frequent postop complications were GI bleeding and fluid and electrolyte imbalances, with respiratory compromise
and electrolyte disorders playing a large role in untimely deaths.
Postsurgical nurses should monitor patient vital signs and status carefully. Any signs of GI bleeding, including coffee-ground
emesis, black or tarry stool, and distended abdomen, warrant further investigation, as do any abnormal labs. Monitor intake
and output, oxygen saturation, and respiratory effort frequently; and report any unexpected deviations promptly. —Jennifer L.W. Fink, RN, BSN
Friese, C.R., & Aiken, L.H. (2008). Failure to rescue in the surgical oncology population: implications for nursing and quality
improvement. Oncology Nursing Forum, 35(5), 779-785.
Staff Editor: MARTHA K. RAYMOND, RN, BSN, BS
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