Final answer:
A nurse's post-operative care plan for a patient after total knee arthroplasty includes monitoring vitals, managing pain, promoting mobility, maintaining surgical site hygiene, assisting with ADLs, and patient education.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse's plan of care for a patient on the first post-operative day after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is critical for the patient's recovery. The plan should include:
- Monitoring vital signs to detect any signs of infection or complications.
- Managing pain effectively through prescribed medications.
- Encouraging mobility and exercises to prevent blood clots and promote circulation.
- Ensuring that the surgical site is clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) as the patient may have limited mobility.
- Educating the patient about post-operative care and the importance of following the rehabilitation protocol.
Each of these actions aligns with the critical concerns for recovery and care that the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional review for the patient's safe recovery.