Question

1. Describe the nursing management of the orthopedic postoperative patient

2. What are the potential complications, risk factors for a post-operative patient and what measures can be done to prevent these?

3. What is the pathophysiology of DVT Deep vein thrombosis?

4. What is the medical and nursing management of the patient with a DVT?

5. Identify at least 3 nursing diagnoses for the patient with a DVT.

6. What community resources are available to assist this patient after discharge?

Answer 1

I. Nursing management for orthopedic post op patients:

1. Continuous monitoring of patient

2. Monitor vitamins signs.

3. Level of consciousness.

4. Assess Neuro vascular status.

5. Early ambulation

6. Wound care

7. Monitoring of bowel.

8. Post operative nutrition management

9. Pain management

10. Carryout post operative physician order.

II. Potential complications:

1. Fat embolism

2. Compartment syndrome

3. Pulmonary embolism

4. DVT

5. Osteomyelitis

Risk factors:

1. Bone fracture

2. Prolong immobilization

3. Hyper calcemia cause rental calculi

Measure prevent this:

1. Continue to monitor the patient.

2. Early ambulation.

3. Active and passive exercise

4. Deep breathing exercise

5. Use of intermittent pneumatic compression.

III. Pathophysiology of DVT:

3 important factors in DVT

1. Venous stasis

2. Activation of blood coagulation or hyper coagulability.

3. Endothelial damage.

This cause thrombi formation in the deep veins,

That leads to DVT.

IV. Management of DVT:

1. Bed rest, leg elevation elastic stockings.

2. Aggressive anticoagulation.

3. Early ambulation after anticoagulation is safe.

4. Prevention of pulmonary embolism.

V. Nursing diagnosis:

1. Acute pain r/to venous congestion.

2. Bleeding r/to anti coagulation therapy

3. Ineffective health maintanence r/to lack of knowledge.