Cholecystectomy
Cholecystectomy is a surgery to remove the gallbladder.
Cholecystectomy is performed most frequently through laparoscopic incisions using laser. However, traditional open cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for many patients with multiple/large gallstones either because of acute symptomatology or to prevent recurrence of stones.
Care Setting
This procedure is usually done on a short-stay basis; however, in the presence of suspected complications, e.g., empyema, gangrene, or perforation, an inpatient stay on a surgical unit is indicated.
Related Concerns
- Cholecystitis with cholelithiasis
- Pancreatitis
- Peritonitis
- Psychosocial aspects of care
- Surgical intervention
Here is an example of a nursing care plan for Cholecystectomy.
Nursing Care Plan for Cholecystectomy | Nursing Priorities; Discharge Goals
Nursing Priorities | Nursing Care Plan for Cholecystectomy
- Promote respiratory function.
- Prevent complications.
- Provide information about disease, procedure(s), prognosis, and treatment needs.
Discharge Goals| Nursing Care Plan for Cholecystectomy
- Ventilation/oxygenation adequate for individual needs.
- Complications prevented/minimized.
- Disease process, surgical procedure, prognosis, and therapeutic regimen understood.
- Plan in place to meet needs after discharge.
Nursing Care Plan for Cholecystectomy | Nursing Diagnosis for Cholecystectomy
Nursing Care Plan for Cholecystectomy | Nursing Diagnosis for Cholecystectomy; Desired Outcomes
Nursing Diagnosis for Cholecystectomy: Breathing Pattern, ineffective
- Pain
- Muscular impairment
- Decreased energy/fatigue
Possibly evidenced by
- Tachypnea; respiratory depth changes, reduced vital capacity
- Holding breath; reluctance to cough
Desired Outcomes/Evaluation Criteria | Nursing Care Plan for Cholecystectomy
Patient Will:
Respiratory Status: Ventilation (NOC)
- Establish effective breathing pattern.
- Experience no signs of respiratory compromise/complications.
Nursing Care Plan for Cholecystectomy | Nursing Interventions for Cholecystectomy
Nursing Care Plan for Cholecystectomy | Nursing Interventions for Cholecystectomy and Rationale;
Nursing Interventions for Cholecystectomy and Rationale
Respiratory Monitoring (NIC)
Nursing Interventions for Cholecystectomy (Independent) | Nursing Care Plan for Cholecystectomy
- Observe respiratory rate/depth. Rationale: Shallow breathing, splinting with respirations, holding breath may result in hypoventilation/atelectasis.
- Auscultate breath sounds. Rationale: Areas of decreased/absent breath sounds suggest atelectasis, whereas adventitious sounds (wheezes, rhonchi) reflect congestion.
- Assist patient to turn, cough, and deep breathe periodically. Show patient how to splint incision. Instruct in effective breathing techniques. Rationale: Promotes ventilation of all lung segments and mobilization and expectoration of secretions.
- Elevate head of bed, maintain low-Fowler’s position. Support abdomen when coughing, ambulating. Rationale: Facilitates lung expansion. Splinting provides incisional support/decreases muscle tension to promote cooperation with therapeutic regimen.
Nursing Interventions for Cholecystectomy (Collaborative) | Nursing Care Plan for Cholecystectomy
- Assist with respiratory treatments, e.g., incentive spirometer. Rationale: Maximizes expansion of lungs to prevent/resolve atelectasis.
- Administer analgesics before breathing treatments/ therapeutic activities. Rationale: Facilitates more effective coughing, deep breathing, and activity.
This is a sample of Nursing Care Plan for Cholecystectomy.
