Nursing of Adults with Medical & Surgical Conditions

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the nursing care and management of adults with fractures, particularly hip and knee arthroplasty.

What is Knee Arthroplasty?

Replacement of the knee joint to restore motion, relieve pain, or correct deformity.

What is Hip Arthroplasty?

Replacement of the hip joint.

What are some nursing interventions after knee or hip arthroplasty?

Empty and record hemovac, give oxygen 2-3 l/min, incentive spirometer q 2 hrs, cough and deep breathe q 2 hrs, record I&O, bed rest 24-48 hrs, change dressing as ordered, diet as ordered, neurovascular checks, vital signs q 4 hrs, maintain position of operative area, physical therapy initiation, encourage fluid intake, and use antiembolic stockings.

What are the signs and symptoms of a hip fracture?

Severe pain at the site, inability to move the leg voluntarily, and shortening or external rotation of the leg.

What types of hip fractures exist?

Intracapsular (inside the joint) and Extracapsular (outside the hip joint).

How is a hip fracture diagnosed?

Radiographic examination and checking for decreased hemoglobin due to bleeding.

What are some treatments for a hip fracture?

Buck's or Russell's traction until surgery, surgical repair including internal fixation and prosthetic implants.

What are postoperative interventions for a hip fracture?

Wound assessment, vital signs, assessment of drains, incentive spirometer, turning q 2 hours, antiembolic stockings, anticoagulation therapy, maintaining leg abduction, and limiting weight bearing on the affected side.

What are key points for patient teaching after ORIF for a hip fracture?

Assess understanding, assist in dangling at bedside, no weight on operative side, turn every 2 hours, maintain abduction, and ROM assistance.

What should be avoided after a hip prosthetic implant?

Avoid hip flexion beyond 60 degrees for 10 days and beyond 90 degrees for 2-3 months, and adduction of the affected leg beyond midline for 2-3 months.

What is the 'DO NOT' list for patients after hip arthroplasty?

Avoid positioning in adduction, prone, or subluxated positions to keep the prosthesis within the acetabulum.

What are pathological fractures?

Fractures that occur without trauma, such as those caused by osteoporosis, metastatic cancer, or bone tumors.