W.S. tells you that his friend had knee surgery that was “ruined” by an infection, and he is worried about that happening to him.
9. What signs and symptoms would alert the nurse to a possible infection?
10. What is the most important intervention that can be done to prevent infection?
11. W.S. comments that the compression stockings are so difficult to put on and asks you if they can be left on all the time. What would you teach W.S. about compression stockings? Select all that apply.
a. “These stockings can be worn 24/7.”
b. “Wash the stockings by hand and air dry them daily.”
c. “Apply them before you get out of bed in the morning.”
d. “You won’t need to wear these once you are discharged.”
e. “If they are too tight, you can roll the top of them down over your calf.”
f. “These stockings are used to strengthen the muscles in your lower legs.”
g. “We need to take them off daily to check the condition of the skin on your legs and feet.”
CASE STUDY PROGRESS
The next morning, the physical therapist works with W.S. on getting out of bed and walking with a walker. W.S. tolerates the session well but is glad to get back into the bed after all the activity.
13. After his first PT session, you notice a small amount of drainage on W.S.’s knee dressing. Which is the best action at this time?
a. Remove the dressing
b. Do nothing and continue to monitor
c. Replace the dressing with a fresh dressing.
d. Draw a circle around the drainage area, and date/time it with your initials
CASE STUDY PROGRESS
The next morning during your assessment, W.S. tells you that he wants to improve his walking, but he is afraid that the PT will “hurt too much.”
13. When is the best time for W.S. to receive his pain medication? Explain your answer.
14. What types of exercises can W.S. perform in between PT sessions?
16. W.S. tells the physical therapist that he cannot wait to take long walks again when he gets home. Which answer by the physical therapist is correct?
a. “Yes, that will be great exercise for you.”
b. “That should be fine after a month of therapy.”
c. “You will not be able to take long walks again now that you’ve had this surgery.”
d. “It takes time to reach your maximum strength and endurance, from 6 months to a year.”