How to Care for a Patient After Hip Pinning Surgery
Some people are prone to falls due to weak muscles, and fractures often occur easily as a result of episodes of transient ischemic attack (brief episode of insufficient blood supply to the brain) and brittle bones. The hip is an easy target since it is the joint that holds the femur and and is important in bearing body weight. Hip pinning involves the application of pins to the fractured area to promote proper hip healing and alignment. Pinning also relieves pressure from compressed nerves and blood vessels in the surrounding area.Instructions
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Tell the nurse or the doctor if the patient needs pain medication. Postoperative pain is inevitable especially in orthopedic surgeries. With severe pain, patients are often given morphine or analgesics. Before the pain becomes excruciating, they frequently receive pain medication and anti-inflammatories. A physician will perform pain rating scale assessments to evaluate the degree of pain and the effectiveness of the medication in the treatment process. This can also aid in determining possible complications of the surgery such as compartment syndrome, infection and nerve compression.
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Move or reposition the patient every two hours after hip pins are placed. Patients are usually hesitant to move because of the anticipated pain. Moving less or remaining immobile increases the risk of skin breakdown, thrombus formation and compromised circulation in the affected area. Complications such as these are serious and can be fatal. You can help the patient by doing passive range of motion exercises and having the patient do active exercises, with the doctor's permission. Care following a hip pinning surgery should also involve helping the patient develop an individualized exercise program and also learn how to move without causing damage.
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Check wound drainage and measure blood loss. Operating on a highly vascularized area (area with large blood supply) poses a risk of hemorrhage. Extreme blood loss can lead to shock and multi-organ failure and eventually death. Using accurate measuring devices, a nurse determines the drainage from the wound after the surgery. If the output is high, intervention may be needed to replace the fluid loss.
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Provide necessary assistive devices such as crutches, walkers or canes. Early ambulation improves healing and promotes independence, also improving self-esteem and decreasing the risk for developing depression. Patients need to be taught how to move properly with assistive devices to reduce the incidence of injuries related to their use.
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