Question

Outline 2(two) examples of post-operative education for a client who has had a Total Hip Replacement and will soon be discharged

Answer 1

Total hip replacement surgery is the surgical removal of the damaged hip joint i.e. acetabulum and the femoral head with prosthetic components.

Some of the common indications of total hip replacement surgery are hip osteoarthritis, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, paget’s disease, bone tumours, avascular necrosis of femur.

Minimal invasive surgeries and advanced technology has led to early discharge the patient with total hip replacement. The patient may be discharged the next day of surgery or in a day or two.

The patient is given post operative education about proper rest at home. It may take a while to return to normal daily activities and work.

The post operative patient education includes :

1. Caring about the incision

2. Managing pain and discomfort

3. Use of assistive devices like canes, crutches

CARING ABOUT THE INCISION: It is important to care about the incisional site to prevent the infection. The patient should always keep incision clean and dry. If the dressing is water proof patient can bath 1-2 days post operative otherwise he should wait for a week after operation.

The patient should check the incision for infection. The signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, drainage from incision site, increased pain, fever. If the patient notes any of these signs he should contact his doctor.

PAIN MANAGEMENT: The patient needs to be educated about timely administration of the pain medications as well as antibiotics. Patients should be taught correct use of pain medications and its side effects. Patients should be encouraged to take minimal pain medications and their long term ill effects on the health.

Ice packs can be used on incision site to manage pain and swelling.

ACTIVITY AND USE OF ASSISTIVE DEVICES: The patient should resume the activities of daily living gradually. He should have at least three sessions of physical therapy and exercise to achieve full ROM of hip.

The patient should not sit for more than 30-45 minutes initially. He should not cross over his legs.

The patient should use canes, crutches and walker until he achieves good balance, strength and flexibility at hip joint.