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Postoperative cognitive decline: the nurse's role in identifying this underestimated and misinterpreted condition
1Research Nurse, Academic Neuroscience Centre, King's College Hospital, London.
British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|April 11, 2019
Summary
Identifying patients at risk for postoperative cognitive decline is crucial. Early screening and nursing care planning can minimize short- and long-term cognitive changes after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Anesthesiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Postoperative cognitive changes are linked to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
- Cognitive decline after surgery can precipitate dementia.
- Understanding these changes is vital for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify perioperative variables predicting vulnerability to postoperative cognitive decline.
- To highlight screening tools for early detection of cognitive changes.
- To inform nursing care strategies for at-risk patients.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of Medline, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Cochrane Library (2010-2018).
- Inclusion of Google Scholar and reference list reviews.
- Focus on postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).
Main Results:
- Certain perioperative factors increase the risk of cognitive decline.
- Screening tools can aid in identifying vulnerable individuals.
- Proactive nursing interventions can mitigate negative cognitive effects.
Conclusions:
- Pre- and post-operative cognitive assessment is key for intervention.
- Clinical interventions can support patient coping mechanisms.
- Screening tools are valuable for minimizing postoperative cognitive changes.