Postarthroplasty problems / Susan A. Salladay

A query about how to handle a patient who resisted ambulating as directed by the surgeon and wasn't interested in learning about her medications and discharge instructions is answered. Instead of addressing accusations, keep message positive through patient education to help her understand some of the most common complications of hip arthroplasty, such as venous thromboembolism (VTE). The risk manager or patient relations personnel should be notified to initiate damage control and find ways to prevent similar conflicts in the future. A meeting involving the patient and family, the care team, and patient relations personnel could be helpful as a forum for discussing VTE prevention and management strategies and medication education, and for clarifying any misunderstandings about care goals during the first admission.

Nursing