Final answer:
Nurses should report significant changes in vital signs, excessive bleeding, severe pain, swelling, decreased sensation or movement, signs of infection, and issues with prosthetic knee alignment to the surgeon following a knee replacement surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse caring for a client after a right total knee replacement should be vigilant about postoperative complications. The following are critical data that the nurse should report to the surgeon:
- Significant changes in vital signs, such as increased heart rate or low blood pressure, which could indicate bleeding or infection.
- Excessive bleeding or drainage from the surgical site, which could signal hemorrhage or other complications.
- Severe pain that is not managed by prescribed pain medication, as this could suggest issues such as improper placement of the prosthesis or nerve damage.
- Swelling or discoloration of the leg, which might indicate a blood clot or compromised circulation.
- Decreased sensation or movement in the affected or surrounding areas, which could be a sign of neurological impairment or vascular damage.
- Signs of infection, including fever, excessive warmth at the surgical site, or foul-smelling drainage.
- Any issues with prosthetic knee alignment that are apparent in post-operative imaging or through physical examination.
Ensuring proper prosthetic alignment is critical for the functionality and longevity of the knee replacement. During surgery, alignment is typically verified through the use of specialized instruments, intraoperative imaging, and the surgeon's expertise.