When you talk to Mariah Edwards’ parents about the risks of surgery, they’ll tell you that the dangers don’t disappear as soon as the wound is closed and the patient is moved to recovery. Tragically, Mariah, a 17-year-old girl, passed away after a routine tonsillectomy because the nurses failed to check on her after giving her a strong painkiller. She experienced respiratory arrest and brain damage due to lack of oxygen, which eventually led to her death because of poor monitoring.
Unfortunately, these kinds of situations happen more often than we think. Patients can react to painkillers and anesthesia even after surgery—the part most people consider the riskiest—is finished. It’s crucial for patients and their families to be aware of both the surgery risks and the dangers during post-operative care. If you’re facing an upcoming surgery, here are some important things to know about the risks in the recovery room.
### Ask the Right Questions
First, have a conversation with your doctor about what happens after the surgery. Consider asking:
– Who will be responsible for my care after the surgery?
– How long will I be monitored while in the recovery room?
– How many other patients will my nurse be attending to?
– How long should I expect to be under anesthesia?
– What kind of digital monitoring will be used?
If you’re unhappy with the answers, don’t hesitate to demand better care or find a different healthcare provider.
### Know Which Drugs Will Be Used
Next, inquire about the medications that will be administered. Mismanagement of drugs or unawareness of their side effects can become a problem after surgery. The patient may not be in a state to ask questions or disclose allergies, and family members may not be present when the first dose is given.
It’s important to know in advance which medications you or your loved one will receive. Ensure all allergies are clearly noted in the patient’s chart, and some hospitals may even provide a wristband indicating allergies. Insist on such safety measures. Also, make sure someone else is present in the recovery room, especially if the patient is a minor.
Severe complications can occur even after the surgery is done. Protect yourself and your loved ones by understanding these risks, advocating for proper monitoring, and demanding adequate care before undergoing any surgery.