HA case study 543 - n/a
Nursing case study: Mrs. Gregory - Postoperative care after total hip replacement surgery
Background of Mrs. Gregory’ hip replacement surgery
Mrs. Gregory is a 72-year-old female who underwent total hip replacement surgery due to severe hip
osteoarthritis. She has a history of hypertension and osteoporosis. Mrs. Gregory lives alone and has
limited mobility due to hip pain and stiffness prior to surgery. She was admitted to the orthopedic surgical
unit and is now postoperative day 1 after her surgery.
Assessment of Mrs. Gregory’ hip replacement surgery
Mrs. Gregory is alert and oriented but reports pain at the surgical site rated 7/10 on the pain scale.
Vital signs: Blood pressure 140/90 mmHg, heart rate 88 bpm, respiratory rate 18 bpm, temperature
98.6°F.
Surgical incision: 15 cm incision over the lateral aspect of the right hip, with moderate
serosanguinous drainage.
Limited weight-bearing status on the right leg as per surgeon's orders.
Foley catheter in place for urinary drainage.
Serosanguinous drainage in the surgical drain.
Evaluation of Mrs. Gregorys’ hip replacement surgery
Mrs. Gregory 's pain is well managed, with her pain level reduced to 4/10 on the pain scale within 24
hours post-surgery.
Mrs. Gregory is able to perform transfers and ambulation with appropriate assistive devices as per
the prescribed weight-bearing status.
There are no signs of infection at the surgical site or systemic infection.
Mrs. Gregory and her family demonstrate an understanding of the postoperative care plan, including
pain management, mobility restrictions, and infection prevention measures.
Mrs. Gregory 's home environment is assessed to be safe for her discharge, and necessary home
health services, medical equipment, or rehabilitation services are arranged.
Questions and answer guide of case study:
1. What are the priority nursing diagnoses for Mrs. Gregory?
The nursing diagnoses for Mrs. Gregory included managing her pain, infection prevention, and
making sure that she will be able to take care of herself once she gets home since she lives alone.
2. What are the nursing interventions to address Mrs. Gregory 's acute pain?
Nursing intervention for Mrs. Gregory’s pain can include requesting pain meds for the patient.
3. How can the nursing team assist Mrs. Gregory with impaired physical mobility?
The nursing team can assist with Mrs. Gregory’s impaired physical mobility by requesting a home
care service to come and assist Mrs. Gregory when she is discharged.
4. What nursing interventions can be implemented to prevent infection in Mrs. Gregory?
Nursing case study: Mrs. Gregory - Postoperative care after total hip replacement surgery
Background of Mrs. Gregory’ hip replacement surgery
Mrs. Gregory is a 72-year-old female who underwent total hip replacement surgery due to severe hip
osteoarthritis. She has a history of hypertension and osteoporosis. Mrs. Gregory lives alone and has
limited mobility due to hip pain and stiffness prior to surgery. She was admitted to the orthopedic surgical
unit and is now postoperative day 1 after her surgery.
Assessment of Mrs. Gregory’ hip replacement surgery
Mrs. Gregory is alert and oriented but reports pain at the surgical site rated 7/10 on the pain scale.
Vital signs: Blood pressure 140/90 mmHg, heart rate 88 bpm, respiratory rate 18 bpm, temperature
98.6°F.
Surgical incision: 15 cm incision over the lateral aspect of the right hip, with moderate
serosanguinous drainage.
Limited weight-bearing status on the right leg as per surgeon's orders.
Foley catheter in place for urinary drainage.
Serosanguinous drainage in the surgical drain.
Evaluation of Mrs. Gregorys’ hip replacement surgery
Mrs. Gregory 's pain is well managed, with her pain level reduced to 4/10 on the pain scale within 24
hours post-surgery.
Mrs. Gregory is able to perform transfers and ambulation with appropriate assistive devices as per
the prescribed weight-bearing status.
There are no signs of infection at the surgical site or systemic infection.
Mrs. Gregory and her family demonstrate an understanding of the postoperative care plan, including
pain management, mobility restrictions, and infection prevention measures.
Mrs. Gregory 's home environment is assessed to be safe for her discharge, and necessary home
health services, medical equipment, or rehabilitation services are arranged.
Questions and answer guide of case study:
1. What are the priority nursing diagnoses for Mrs. Gregory?
The nursing diagnoses for Mrs. Gregory included managing her pain, infection prevention, and
making sure that she will be able to take care of herself once she gets home since she lives alone.
2. What are the nursing interventions to address Mrs. Gregory 's acute pain?
Nursing intervention for Mrs. Gregory’s pain can include requesting pain meds for the patient.
3. How can the nursing team assist Mrs. Gregory with impaired physical mobility?
The nursing team can assist with Mrs. Gregory’s impaired physical mobility by requesting a home
care service to come and assist Mrs. Gregory when she is discharged.
4. What nursing interventions can be implemented to prevent infection in Mrs. Gregory?
