The occurrence of the delayed surgical recovery nursing diagnosis among adults and the elderly

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare the occurrence of the nursing diagnosis of delayed surgical recovery among the adult and elderly population.METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study conducted with 72 patients followed after the fifth postoperative day. For data collection, a form with conceptual and operational definitions of the defining characteristics and related factors of the nursing diagnosis was used.RESULTS: The rate of the diagnosis of delayed surgical recovery was slightly higher in the elderly, which was 77.1%, compared to adults, which was 75.7%, but there was no significant difference (0.421). Different defining characteristics prevailed: "difficulty moving about" (0.045), "perception that more time is needed to recover," and "requires help to complete self-care" (0.000).CONCLUSION: To differentiate adult and elder care favors the specialization of perioperative nursing care and surgical recovery in the time desired.