Question

You talk with Mrs. Morgan about her surgery and she mentions possible complications, which she has discussed with her healthcare provider (HCP). Which complications are potential risks with hip replacement surgery?

Select all that apply (there are 4 correct answers).
Wound infection
Wound infection is a potential major complication of hip replacement surgery. Wound infection can result in the need for repeat surgery, which may be less successful in improving mobility. Typically, antibiotics are given preoperatively (started just before surgery), and continued for a few days postoperatively. Invasive procedures are kept to a minimum after surgery to reduce risk of infection. Invasive lines (IVs) are removed as quickly as possible, because they increase risk for infection.

Dislocation of the prosthetic hip
Dislocation of the prosthetic hip is a potential major complication after hip replacement surgery. Mrs. Morgan will learn about measures to avoid this complication.

Blood clotting in the leg
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential major complication after hip replacement surgery. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) involves thrombus (clot) formation, usually in a deep vein in the pelvis or leg. Risk for DVT is especially increased with orthopedic surgeries, because of the immobility required after surgery. Bed rest and immobility are associated with venous stasis. Any factor that alters blood flow and results in venous stasis may contribute to thrombosis. With any surgery, imposed immobility and the depressive effects of anesthetics on circulation increase risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Any surgery that requires administration of anesthesia and immobilization for more than 45 minutes increases risk for DVT. Mrs. Morgan has varicose veins (incompetent valves in leg veins cause venous congestion), which also increase risk for DVT.

Bleeding
Bleeding during hip replacement surgery can be significant. Blood must be available for use during or after surgery. Mrs. Morgan has been type- and cross-matched for blood.

Answer 1

Wound infection

Dislocation of the prosthetic hip

Blood clotting in the leg

Bleeding

Step-by-step explanation:

The four complications that are potential risks with hip replacement surgery are: Wound infection, Dislocation of the prosthetic hip, Blood clotting in the leg , and Bleeding .

Wound infection can be as a result of repeat surgery or the need for it, and this can be not very successful for mobility improvement. Most prior to surgery, antibiotics are administered preoperatively and postoperatively. Any procedure that involves invasion is also minimized to avoid infection.

Furthermore, dislocation of the prosthetic hip is another complication associated with hip replacement surgery. It is important to teach Mrs Morgan various measures to avoid this.

Another complication is blood clotting in the leg. One major complication that may result from hip replacement surgery is Deep vein thrombosis. Also immobility and bed rest are known causes of venous statis, which may also contribute to thrombosis. Also, surgeries requiring anesthesia administration and immobilization for over 45 minutes also increases the probability of Deep vein thrombosis.

The final complication that may result is bleeding. This is a significant problem with this procedure. It is mandatory that there is blood available in the course of the surgery and after.