You are doing a presentation at a senior citizens' center; although the group is older than 55 years of age, they all are still active and live at home

Explain orthopedic surgery and some of the reasons it is necessary.

a. What are the joints usually involved?
b. What are some of the risks and complications involved with orthopedic surgery?
c. What are some of the treatments involved with this?


Students' answers should include the following:
a. Joints include elbows, ankles, and shoulders as well as knees and hips. Knees and hips are the most common.
b. Hip joint replacements: Clients need to watch positioning of hip so that it doesn't dislocate after surgery.
Hips need to have abduction pillows to keep hips aligned and sit in elevated chair or on a raised seat with pillows; flexion needs to be less than 90°.
Postoperative complications include hemorrhage, dislocation of the joint, infection, thromboembolism, and avascular necrosis; cemented prosthesis may also loosen years after surgery.
c. Clients may donate their own blood for surgery.
Treat client for pain and manage vital signs and neurologic status after surgery.
Knees need to use CPM machines to assist with gentle flexion of extension of knee starting at 30° then goal of 90°.
Ice packs for all joints
Site needs to be watched for drainage.
Elevation of leg

Nursing

You might also like to view...

To be aware of potential risks to the laboring woman, the nurse understands that a breech presentation is associated with

a. Umbilical cord compression b. More rapid labor c. A high risk of infection d. Maternal perineal trauma

Nursing

Which statement by the client with hypophosphatemia indicates a need for clarification regarding the management of this electrolyte imbalance?

A. "I will eat more eggs, fish, and meat and avoid dairy products." B. "I will use Tylenol for pain instead of aspirin." C. "In the summer, I will drink more water." D. "If I have indigestion, I will take Tums."

Nursing

The nurse is monitoring a patient who has severe bone marrow suppression following antineoplastic drug therapy. Which is considered a principal early sign of infection?

a. Fever b. Diaphoresis c. Tachycardia d. Elevated white blood cell count

Nursing

The patient is admitted with vomiting and diarrhea. To plan the care for this patient, the nurse must know that metabolic compensation occurs when the kidneys reclaim or restore:

1. Bicarbonate. 2. Ketones. 3. Hydrogen. 4. Water.

Nursing