Joint Replacement Guide - During Your Hospital Stay

Recovery

When you arrive at your room, you'll be welcomed and asked a few questions. It may seem that we have repeated some questions. Our goal is to ensure that everything is accurate. After surgery, your nurse will monitor the following during your stay:

• Your vital signs, which include temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and oxygen level.
• Your oxygen for the first 24 hours after surgery.
• Your breathing. Taking a few deep breaths and coughing will help keep your lungs clear and prevent pneumonia.
• Your use of incentive spirometry. This device helps keep your lungs clear and prevents pneumonia.
• Your surgical dressing and circulation.

Your Pain

• You will be asked to rate your pain on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (the worst pain imaginable).
• You should not expect to be pain-free. Our goal is to keep your pain at an acceptable level for you.
• Ice, elevation and repositioning your leg will help control the pain.
• You need to ask for pain medication. By asking for pain medication when you feel discomfort instead of unbearable, you can keep your pain under control.
• Your nurse will write the time your pain medication is due on the white board in your room as a reminder.
• Take your medication with food or milk to decrease an upset stomach. Crackers, ginger ale, etc. are available from the unit's kitchen.

Side Effects of Pain Medicine and Remedies

• Nausea - Take medication with food, milk, or ginger ale to reduce nausea.
• Constipation - Starting on the night of surgery, the nursing staff will offer stool-softeners and laxatives to reduce constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Immobility can contribute to constipation. It is important to move as much as you can with the help of staff.
• Urinary retention - Some patients experience difficulty urinating on their own. The nursing staff will monitor your urine output and scan your bladder. If you are unable to urinate and have discomfort in your abdomen, the nurses will relieve the pressure by inserting a catheter to drain your bladder.
• Dizziness - Get up slowly and always with assistance. Be sure to stay hydrated as you recover.
• Drowsiness - Limit visitors and prioritize rest.

Preventing Blood Clots

You will take medication to reduce the risk of blood clots. Your surgeon will decide which medicines you should take. Your nurse will educate you about these medicines. Devices worn on your legs help prevent blood clots. We will assist you in using this while you are lying in bed. In addition, move your feet around and make sure you stay hydrated.

Watch for signs and symptoms of a blood clot in each leg:

• Constant pain in calf
• Swelling in the leg that does not go down despite rest and elevation
• Warmth in the legs
• Red streak moving up and down your leg

Watch for signs and symptoms of a blood clot in your lungs - Pulmonary Embolism (PE):

• Restless and anxious feeling
• Sudden shortness of breath, even at rest
• Chest pressure
• Dizzy, sweaty, and disoriented

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