Wound infection:
-Monitor patient's vital sign every 4 hours,especially the body temperature
-observe the wound characteristics,such as redness,swelling,discharge and so om
-Maintain strict asepsis for dressing changes, wound care, intravenous therapy.
-Wash hands or perform hand hygiene before having contact with the patient. Also, impart these duties to the patient and their significant others and know the instances when to perform hand hygiene or “5 moments for hand hygiene”
Moment 1 - before touching a patient.
Moment 2 - before a procedure.
Moment 3 - after a procedure or body fluid exposure risk.
Moment 4 - after touching a patient.
Moment 5 - after touching a patient's surroundings
-Educate clients and SO (significant other) about appropriate cleaning, disinfecting.
DVT:
-Monitor vital signs every 4 hours
-Suggest the patient keep bedrest to prevent clot dislodgment
-Encourage the patient elevate affected or both legs
-Turn patient every 2 hours without crossing legs
-Provide range-of-motion exercises to the unaffected.
-Assess patient for complications of PE, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, apprehension, cough,
hemoptysis, tachypnea, crackles, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and fever
Hip dislocation:
-Remind the patient must be cautioned not to sit too low or cross the legs.
-Suggest the patient’s leg should be positioned in ABDUCTION.This is to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis. It is very crucial that the femoral head component of the acetabular cap is maintained in the correct position.
-Put two or three pillows between the legs of the patient will keep the hip in abduction.
-Tell the patient the hip of the patient should NOT be flexed more than 45 to 60 degrees.
-To prevent acute hip flexion, elevate the head of bed not more than 45 degree
-Remind patient not to sleep on the operated side until this position is cleared with the surgeon.
-1-4 days after operation, assist the patient in early ambulation to promote blood flow of oxygen throughout the body while maintaining normal breathing functions
-Teach the patient recognize dislocation of the prosthesis which includes:Shortening of the leg;Inability to move the leg;Malalignment of the leg;Abnormal rotation;Increased discomfort