an exploratory laparotomy. Within the first 30 minutes of sur. gery, the patient suddenly begins to hemorrhage from m_(ul) tiple sites within the abdomen, including blood vessels that were previously ligated. Although emergency attempts are made to halt the swift progression of this coagulopathy, the hemorrhaging worsens. When all attempts to reverse the c_(0 n. ) dition have failed, the surgeon closes the abdominal wound and the patient is withdrawn from anesthesia. You now real. ize that the patient has died and will be quickly transported to the PACU.
Can you predict how this sudden death of a patient may affect your ability to carry on with necessary duties?
What are your initial responsibilities, assuming that you will not be accompanying the anesthesia care provider to the PACU?
After you have been relieved for a break, you are just outside the surgical department when one of the patient's fam. ily members whom you met just before surgery approaches you. What will you say to her?
to the PACU.
the PACU?
you, What will you say to her?
