Post-surgical nursing assessment after hip replacement should be principally concerned with the risk of neurovascular complications and the development of infection. A temperature of 101.8 F (38.7 C) postoperatively is higher than the low grade that is to be expected and should raise concern. Some pain during repositioning and following physical therapy is to be expected and can be managed with analgesics. A small amount of bloody drainage on the surgical dressing is a result of normal healing.
The nurse has given instructions to a client returning home after knee arthroscopy. Which statement by the client indicates that the instructions are understood?
1. "I can resume regular exercise tomorrow."
2. "I can't eat food for the remainder of the day."
3. "I need to stay off the leg entirely for the rest of the day."
4. "I need to report a fever or site inflammation to my health care provider."