Surgeries are common in hospitals, and nurses play a vital role in preparing, monitoring, and supporting patients before, during, and after procedures. Whether you’re a nursing student preparing for the NCLEX, a registered nurse (RN nurse) on the floor, or studying through a nursing bundle, knowing the top surgeries and their nursing priorities is essential.
This guide breaks down common surgeries and what every nurse should focus on to keep patients safe and ensure smooth recovery.
🩺 Preoperative Nursing Priorities
Before surgery, the RN nurse has key responsibilities:
- Patient education – explain the procedure in simple terms.
- Consent check – confirm informed consent is signed.
- NPO status – ensure the patient has not eaten/drunk.
- Baseline assessments – vital signs, labs, allergies.
- Prep skin/IV access – surgical site prep and IV line.
👉 On the NCLEX, questions often test pre-op teaching, consent verification, and safety checks.
🫀 1. Appendectomy (Removal of Appendix)
Why it’s done: Appendicitis (infection/inflammation of appendix).
Nursing priorities:
- Assess for pain in RLQ (McBurney’s point).
- Monitor for fever or peritonitis (rigid abdomen, guarding).
- Post-op: monitor bowel sounds, encourage ambulation, advance diet slowly.
❤️ 2. Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)
Why it’s done: Gallstones, gallbladder infection.
Nursing priorities:
- Watch for right upper quadrant pain and jaundice.
- Post-op: monitor for bile duct injury (abd pain, fever, jaundice).
- Encourage deep breathing and ambulation to prevent pneumonia.
🫁 3. CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft)
Why it’s done: Severe coronary artery disease.
Nursing priorities:
- Pre-op: teach about sternal precautions.
- Post-op: monitor for cardiac rhythm changes, bleeding, infection.
- Assess chest tubes, oxygenation, and pain control.
👉 On the NCLEX, CABG questions test knowledge of cardiac monitoring and sternal wound precautions.
🩸 4. Hysterectomy (Uterus Removal)
Why it’s done: Cancer, fibroids, bleeding, endometriosis.
Nursing priorities:
- Assess for hemorrhage – check perineal pads.
- Monitor urinary output.
- Provide emotional support for possible body image concerns.
🧠 5. Craniotomy (Brain Surgery)
Why it’s done: Tumor, trauma, bleeding, swelling.
Nursing priorities:
- Neuro checks (pupil size, LOC, motor strength).
- Keep head of bed 30° to reduce ICP.
- Monitor for CSF leaks, seizures, and bleeding.
🦴 6. Hip/Knee Replacement
Why it’s done: Osteoarthritis, fractures.
Nursing priorities:
- Prevent DVT with compression devices and anticoagulants.
- Encourage early ambulation and PT.
- Watch for infection and dislocation (hip).
🩺 Postoperative Nursing Priorities
Across all surgeries, the RN nurse should always monitor:
- Airway and breathing – oxygen, respiratory effort.
- Circulation – BP, HR, bleeding.
- Pain management – use appropriate scales.
- Infection prevention – aseptic technique, monitor fever.
- Mobility & safety – early ambulation, fall precautions.
👉 These steps are tested heavily on the NCLEX and are part of every nursing bundle for med-surg prep.
✅ NCLEX Tip
When answering NCLEX questions about surgery care:
- Airway first (ABC priority).
- Assess before intervene (gather data).
- Watch for red flags: fever, bleeding, respiratory distress, sudden pain.
📌 Final Thoughts
Common surgeries like appendectomy, cholecystectomy, CABG, hysterectomy, craniotomy, and joint replacement all have unique nursing priorities. As a registered nurse or nursing student, you must focus on airway, circulation, pain, infection prevention, and mobility.
For NCLEX prep, reviewing these priorities in a nursing bundle makes the information easier to remember. Strong knowledge of surgery care helps every nurse provide safe and effective patient care.