THE Surgical Hospital of Phoenix

Orthopedic Program

PRE-HOSPITALIZATION

Pre-op testing, if your MD orders testing– Labs will need to be done within 10 days of

surgery– CXR– EKG– Medical and Cardiac clearance may be ordered

by your physician depending upon your medical history.

PRE-HOSPITALIZATION

Home Preparations– Remove any safety hazards, an example would

be a tripping hazard such as a loose rug or cords on the floor.

– Obtain necessary equipment and supplies.

PRE-HOSPITALIZATION

MEALS– Light meal the night before surgery.– Nothing to eat after midnight or 8 hours prior to

surgery if you surgery is scheduled late in the afternoon

– No water in AM, except a sip with medications instructed to take.

– No gum, mints or cigarettes

PRE-HOSPITALIZATION

Shower the morning of surgery. Do not shave any body parts. No make-up should be worn morning of

surgery. You can brush your teeth, but do not drink. We prefer no finger nail polish.

DAY OF SURGERY

Bring any braces, walkers, or special equipment with you to the hospital.

Hearing aids, dentures and glasses can be worn to the hospital, but bring a case labeled with your name to the hospital.

Comfortable clothing, enclosed heel footwear for getting up with physical therapy and your comfort.

DAY OF SURGERY

You may want to bring your own Hygiene Products such as toothbrush, comb/brush, deodorant, and feminine products.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE HOSPITAL

Patient parking is on the north side of the hospital. You will come in the front door and immediately to your right

is the admitting desk. In admitting you will sign in and receive your ID band which

you will be asked to verify that the information is correct.

PRE-OP

A nurse will come to the admitting area and take you to pre-op.

You will change into a hospital gown at this time. Vital Signs, Height and Weight will be obtained Consents will be reviewed and signed. Your IV will be started. The surgeon, anesthesiologist, and OR nurse will

meet with you prior to surgery. Two family members at a time will be allowed in the

pre-op area.

SURGERY

You will be taken back to the OR on your pre-op bed.

The OR nurse and Anesthesiologist will remain with you throughout surgery.

PACU/RECOVERY ROOM

Average stay in recovery is 1 to 3 hours. X-rays/labs may be taken while you are in the

recovery room. Nurses in the recovery room will work with you on

your pain management. Visitors will not be allowed in the recovery area

due to need to maintain privacy. If family member needs to leave the hospital,

please leave the pre-op nurse your cell phone number or a number in which you can be reached.

SURGICAL UNIT-DAY OF SURGERY

You will be taken to your room in your bed. You will have you own room. You may be seen by Physical Therapy depending upon time

of your surgery. Blood Clot Prevention, TED hose, Pneumatic stocking may

be ordered. An injection will be given once or twice daily beginning post-op day #1.

What to Expect:– IV fluids --Oxygen– Frequent vital signs --Nursing assessments – Pain control plan --Comfort and positioning – Possible drains --Possible Foley catheter – First meal may be clear liquids.

OUTPATIENT PROCEDURES

Shoulder Scope– Discharged day of surgery from PACU.– Sling will be applied prior to discharge.– Wear a button up shirt.

Knee Scope– Discharged day of surgery from PACU.– Ace wrapped knee dressing will be in place.– Usually no crutches are required.– Wear something that you can get over a large knee

dressing. (Shorts, dress, or loose fitting slacks)

POST-OP DAY ONE

Morning blood draw. Out of bed with Physical Therapy and nursing. Physical Therapy twice a day. IV fluids and oxygen may be discontinued. Diet advance as tolerated and up in chair for meals. Removal of Foley catheter. Pain control with oral/IV medications. Hospitalist consult for medical management. Case Management will be in to assess discharge

needs.

POST-OP DAY TWO

Morning blood draw. Out of bed with PT or nursing. PT twice a day. Drain removed and dressing changed. Pain control oral medications-Let your nurse

know if you are in pain! Case management to continue with discharge

arrangements.

POST-OP DAY THREE

Morning blood draw. Blood clot prevention: anti-coagulation therapy

Teaching. Pain control with oral medications Discharge to home, Acute rehab., or Skilled Nursing

Facility. Your discharge is occur when pain is

controlled with oral pain medications

and when it is safe to be discharged.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Focused on safety– Transferring– Exercises– Ambulation– Precautions

Patients are seen twice a day.

THERAPY GOALS

Understand home exercise program. Ability to walk with a wheeled walker. Stair safety if applicable. Getting in and out of bed with family assistance. Knees

– Using CPM and increasing bend per physicians orders. Hips

– Ability to verbalize hip precautions– Ability to follow hip precautions

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT AT HOME

All Surgeries– Shower chair– Front-wheeled walker

Hip Replacements– Elevated toilet seat

DISCHARGE OPTIONS

HOME, with or without home health services. HOME, with outpatient services. SKILLED Nursing Facility. ACUTE inpatient rehabilitation facility (Must

qualify).Depending upon your medical progress, your

therapy, and your home situation the appropriate discharge option will be planned for your safety.

DISCHARGE INFORMATION

A folder will be provide in order to keep your discharge instructions, educational information, PT exercises, and any additional information that might be given.

You will be instructed in self

administration of a “low molecular

weight heparin” prior to discharge

and will typically continue this

medication at home for 10-21

days after surgery.

Travel After Surgery

No flying for 2-4 weeks after surgery. When riding in a vehicle, you need to stop

every ½ hour to get out and walk around.