Pt will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the signs and symptoms of surgical site

infection by end of discharge teaching. Pt will demonstrate this understanding by telling

the nurse at least 3 of these signs.

1) I will check my temperature twice daily, and seek medical attention if it is above 38 C -
and that it is not associated with illness.
2) I will assess the incision area regularly, monitoring for redness, warmth and found smell
around the incision site
3) I will monitor the incision area for drainage, and severe pain that is not controlled with
medication and if the incision begins opening.
4) I will monitor for signs of DVT or PE which include leg pain, shortness of breath and/or
chest pain.
5) I will assess for swelling of the incision.
6) Leg swelling is expected at first and elevating the leg and placing ice packs should help
minimize swelling.

Pt will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of pain management by end

of discharge teaching. Pt will demonstrate their knowledge by informing the writer how
often they will assess their pain, their goals for pain management (i.e. keep pain under at
4/10 pain or less, 10 being the worst pain they had), and medication they will take and how
often.
1) Use nonpharmacological strategies for using pain such as Ice packs, changing position,
distractions and deep breathing.
2) Know the name, dose, route, purpose and potential side effects of each medication.
3) Medication should be taken as directed, do not change the dose or scheduled medication
without consulting a physician.
4) Pain medication should be taken 30 minutes prior to exercise or performing physical
therapy,
5) Use facility approved pain rating scale to self asses pain levels (Numeric scale).
6) Constipation is a common side effect of pain medication, I should increase fluid intake,
eat foods high in fibre and take stool softener as needed.
7) I will plan ahead for medication refills to avoid being without medication.

References
Schub, T., & Engelke, Z. (2016, October 14). Patient Education: Teaching the Postoperative
Patient about Total Hip Arthroplasty. EBSCO Information Services.
https://www.ebscohost.com/assets-sample-content/NRCPlus_Teaching_Post_Op_Patient
s_about_Total_Hip_Arthroplasty_NSP.pdf