Monitor for complications: a. Take vital signs every two to four hours or as indicated; immediately report changes (such as elevated temperature; hypotension; weak, thready pulse; increased or...

Monitor for complications:

a. Take vital signs every two to four hours or as indicated; immediately report changes (such as elevated temperature; hypotension; weak, thready pulse; increased or difficult respirations).

b. Assess skin colour, temperature, moisture and turgor.

c. Measure urinary output, gastrointestinal output and drainage from any other tubes; monitor amount and type of wound drainage.

d. Assess level of consciousness.

e. Monitor results of laboratory tests, especially arterial blood gases, haemoglobin and haematocrit.

The major complications following Whipple’s procedure are haemorrhage, hypovolaemic shock and hepatorenal failure. The assessments listed provide information about the person’s status and alert the nurse to abnormal findings that signal the onset of these complications.