Academy orthopedics ambulatory surgery center

Post-op Instructions for: ________________ SURGEON’S INSTRUCTIONS:
- Keep dressing / operative area clean and dry. □Remove the dressing(s) in ____ hours. If you have small tape strips, do not remove them. Apply a clean dressing Post-op Appointment Scheduled for: CUMMING OFFICE or band aid over the incisions. Don’t use any type of ointment on incisions such as Neosporin. ______________________________DULUTH OFFICE □Do not remove your operative dressing / cast. - May bathe / shower but must keep operative site dry with ANESTHESIOLOGIST’S INSTRUCTIONS:
- You may feel sleepy and somewhat sluggish for several - Elevate the operative site to lessen swelling and pain. hours. Be cautious when getting up and walking around - Ice packs can help lessen the swelling and pain. Apply ice to operative site as much as possible for the first 48hrs. -DO NOT DRIVE or operate machinery for 24hrs after (a small amount of swelling is normal). surgery or while you continue to take pain medication. - Wiggle toes and fingers of operative extremity frequently - Do not stay by yourself the day of the surgery. If this is to increase circulation, if ordered by physician. not possible, have someone check you frequently. - CAST CARE: Most casts take 48hrs to dry completely. Avoid handling or putting pressures on the cast until after Take deep breaths and cough 2 times every 30 minutes Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24hrs after surgery 1) bright red bleeding
2) concerns with
circulation such as swelling, coldness, numbness, bluish - Do not make any important decisions or participate in color or if toe/fingernails blanch white with pressure and activities that require judgment or quick reaction time 3) any signs of infection
at incision site, such as foul odor or drainage 4) fever above
DIET / FLUIDS:
5) inability to urinate 8-12 hrs after surgery 6) CALL
Start with a light diet, avoiding anything spicy or greasy. 911 for difficulty breathing or chest pain
MEDICATIONS / PRESCRIPTIONS:
- Nausea can be a side effect of the medicines you received □ PERCOCET □ LORTAB Take as directed for pain during surgery. Take frequent sips of clear liquids. If un- □ PHENERGAN Take as directed for nausea able to tolerate liquids, call your doctor. □ _____________________________________________ YOUR DOCTOR HAS ORDERED: □ ambulate as tolerated on
● Resume your regular medications unless instructed CRUTCHES □ partial weight bear as instructed on operative ● You may resume taking your anti-inflammatory medication tomorrow if you have it or take Ibuprofen □ do not bear any weight on operative leg
(Advil) if needed to supplement pain medication. SLING □ wear for comfort, ok to remove for sleeping or Remember most pain medications contain Tylenol so do not take over the counter Tylenol while taking pain □ continue to use until physician states otherwise medication unless you check with your doctor or IMMOBILIZER □ keep on at all times. Passive range of
●PHENERGAN may be used to enhance the effects of OTHER INSTRUCTIONS:_________________________________ _____________________________________________ ●PAIN MEDICATION can sometimes be associated with _____________________________________________ minor side effects such as itching, constipation and nausea. Itching – try Benadryl, take per package instructions
Instructions given by: ____________________________________
Constipation – drink plenty of liquids and try over the
counter laxatives, taking per package instructions. Patient / Representative Signature:
Nausea – do not take medication on an empty stomach.
Always eat something like toast or crackers before taking pain medication. We appreciate the opportunity to provide your surgical care today. We will be calling you tomorrow to check on your progress. Should you have any questions/concerns before you 1st post-op appointment feel free to call the Surgery Center (770) 886-5038 between 9:00 & 5:00. For emergencies after hours you may reach your physician at: Cumming 770-889-0891

Source: http://www.academyorthopedics.com/wp-content/themes/main_website/pdf/DISCHARG_%20INST_new.pdf