Medical Post operative care – An orthopedic nurse is a nurse who specializes in treating patients with bone, limb, or musculoskeletal disorders. Nonetheless, because orthopedics and trauma typically follow one another, head injuries and infected wounds are frequently treated by orthopedic nurses.
Ensuring that patients receive the proper pre-and post-operative care following surgery is the responsibility of an orthopedic nurse. They play a critical role in the effort to return patients to baseline before admission. Early detection of complications following surgery, including sepsis, compartment syndrome, and site infections, falls under the purview of orthopedic nurses.
Medical Post operative care
Postoperative care of an orthopedic surgery patient:
A nurse should be in constant attendance white the patient is recovering anesthesia never leave a patient alone. The following are his or her responsibilities.
6. Maintain patient’s ABC (Airway, Breathing and Circulations).
7. Place the patient in proper position until the patient regains conscious The bed is to be kept flat.
8. Carry out any “state” orders immediately and administer oxygen by mask.
9. Turn the patient’s head to one side to drain salivary secretion. When ve wipes gauze. Note the amount and the nature of the vomitus and recorded.
10. Monitor vital signs minutes and recorded. Temperature, Pulse, Blood pressure and Respi should be checked every 10-15
11. Observe the patient and monitors for sign of respiratory obstructions, sb and hemorrhage.
12. Administer I/V fluids and medication as ordered.
13. Observe dressing and surgical drain:
- Inspect dressing from time to time to detect sign of hemorrhage or abnormal drainage.
- Note color and amount of drainage on dressing and in drainage tube,
- Ensure that dressing is in secure,
- Reinforce dressing or plaster as needed.
14. Intake output chart should be maintained.
15. Report any alarming any peculiars signs or symptoms to the surgeon at
16. Check skin for warmth, color and moisture.
17. Promote comfort and maintain safety, keep the patient as quite comfortable as possible when the patient is fully conscious, deep br and turning every hour are necessary to prevent pulmonary complications
18. Before transfer the patient to the ward – Be aware about vital signs are within normal limits.
19. Suture removed needs to be done usually on the 12th or 14th day.
20. Assist the patient in his functional activities.
21. Teach the patient how to carry out day to day routine activities with the unaffected limb.
22. Change the post operative dressing after 3 days. Inspect and clean the wound.
23. Sponge bath the patient everyday.
24. If continuous catheter inspect and clean the catheter and urine bag on a regular basis.
25. Instruct the patient to carry out active exercises of the affected limb.
26. Personally supervise the administration of the drugs suggested by the surgeon. Ensure right dose is given at the right time. Record them in the notes.
Instructions to be given at the time of discharge:
1. To come for regular follow up as advised by the surgeon.
2. To take the medication as per the advised by the surgeon.
3. Instructions regarding weight bearing, mobilization etc. to be meticulously followed as per the directions given the therapist.
4. Active exercise to be unaffected limb and isometric to the affected limb should be carried out at home.
5. Bladder care, bowel care and back care to be supervised by the patient’s relatives.
6. Instruct the patient to keep oneself physically and mentally active.
7. Instruct the relatives to cheer up the victims and should shower them with abundant love and care. Do not make them feel miserable and helpless.
8. Instruct them to take proper care of the axillary’s crutches, walkers, elastocrepe bandage etc.
9. Tell the patient that injury sometimes acts as a blessing is disguise. It may give them a welcome break from the everyday hustle & bustle and drudgery routines. It may give more time to spend with one and their family members. It may provide the all important time for analysis, introspection, planning and checking out the future course of action in one’s life. It may also give more time with the love ones.
10 . If the time is properly utilized it may act as a much needed fill up to ones life.
11. It may allow the much needed time to usher-pen the sawn before taking on the life once again.
Post-operative discomfort and complaints:
1. Pain: Pain is among the earliest post-operative symptoms. It can be expected as soon as the patient returns to consciousness.
2. Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting may occur post-operatively, particularly i: the patient received either as an anesthetic agent other causes may be accumulations of fluid in the stomach or taking food or fluid before peristalsis returns.
3. Restlessness: This may be due to backache, headache, thirst, tight dressing, drainages, full bladder, retention of urine, haemorrhage etc.
4. Sleeplessness: Frequently it is associated with restlessness.
5. Thirst: Thirst is a trouble some symptoms after may general and local anesthesia.
6. Abdominal distention: Constipations and diarrhea.
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