NEW RULES FOR POST OPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS

The mnemonic of the Rule of W for post operative fever (Wind, Water, Wound, Walk, Wonder) needs updating - most individuals recommend that the first W (wind) should not be included. From a recent data analysis, theres a new Rule of W's for post operative  complications in the first 30 days - Waves (EKG - for myocardial infarction), wind (pneumonia), water (UTI), wound (superficial and deep surgical site infection), walking (venous thromboembolism). Another recommendation is the Rule of I's for Post-operative Fever: Inflammation, Infarction, Infection, Inhalation, Imbibition. These rules are to assist with framing and maintaining a proper thought process when taking care of patients. 

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News