N340 Susan Weil SIM.CORRECTLY ILLUSTRATED

1. What vital nursing assessment data should be gathered on a post-operative elderly patient? What assessment findings may be specific to a hip replacement surgery? The necessary assessments needed for a post-op elderly patient are respiratory including the pain assessment, respiratory rate, cardiovascular function including blood pressure, neuromuscular abilities, mental status, pain, temperature, dressing site for drainage amount, color, and bleeding, urine output, signs of infection, and resuscitation efforts. Assessment findings that may be specific to hip replacement surgery are pain at surgical site postsurgery, serosanguinous drainage, and limited mobility of patient. 2. What non-pharmacologic nursing interventions can be used to treat and/or prevent osteoporosis in patients? Consider patient teaching and dietary considerations and comfort measures. Some non-pharmacologic nursing interventions to treat or prevent osteoporosis are teach patient about diet modification with increased amount of proteins and carbohydrates, adequate amounts of foods containing calcium and Vitamin D for absorption of the calcium. Avoid alcohol consumption and limit caffeine intake. Teach patient about cessation of smoking due to toxic effects nicotine has on bone cells. Teach patient about weight bearing exercise regimen such as walking and stair climbing. Teach patient about muscle strengthening to help improve strength, posture, and balance. 3. Describe the major complications that can arise for patients who are post-operative hip injury/replacement. What immediate nursing interventions should the nurse perform for a patient who is experiencing any of the major complications? The major complications that can arise for patients who are post-operative hip injury are infection, compartment syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, hyperkalemia, venous thromboembolism (VTE), pulmonary embolism, and fat embolism.