Arthroplasty Case Study Nursing

When the patient is back on the ward, the receiving nurse should review the post-operative orders, admits the patient to the unit, performs an initial assessment and attends to the patient’s immediate needs. During the first 24 hours after surgery nursing care on the surgical ward involves continuing to help the patient recover from effects of anaesthesia, frequently assessing the patient’s psychologic status, taking and recording vital signs, monitoring for complications, level of consciousness, managing pain and implementing measures designed to achieve the long-range goals of independence with self-care, successful management of therapeutic regimen, discharge to home and full recovery.
After a knee arthroplasty the patient is likely to have a redivac drain. It is important to prevent hematoma and drain all the excess blood from beneath the incision site. The nurse should monitor 4 hourly how much blood is vacuumed out of the drain. Generally, a drain is removed 1 to 2 days post-op, once the drainage has stopped or becomes less …show more content…
. Nutrition is also important in the healing process. A balanced diet often with an iron supplement is important to promote wound healing and to restore muscle strength. Exercise is a critical component of home care, particularly during the first few weeks after surgery. A physio therapy program is designed for each individual in order to gain full-function and independence. Physio therapy can take 6 months or more depending on the individual’s improvement and progress. Some pain with activity and at night is normal for several weeks after surgery. Generally most activities of daily living can be resumed within 3 – 6 weeks following surgery. On the other hand attendance for follow-up appointments is very important for removal of sutures and assessment of

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