Hi everyone! A question about orthopaedics

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Hi everyone! I'm a student nurse going into my last year, and I am starting a preceptorship on the orthopaedic pre and post-op floor. I was wondering if anyone could give me some feedback as to some of the things that I should review before starting my rotation, as well as some common medications used on the floor.

Thanks a lot!! :wink2:

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You will want to familiarize yourself with total hip / total knee precautions (proper ambulation techniques, transfers, etc), your physical therapist will be able to provide you with this information. Also learn how to perform appropriate neurovascular assessments, and review your facilities procedures for administering blood transfusions, which you will do often. Learn about the different forms of post-op anticoagulation used on your unit, e.g., lovenox, coumadin, aspirin, as well as pain control (big issue in ortho). Most importantly, learn proper body mechanics that will save your back, as you will be assisting patients with transfers as some of these patients can be difficult to move, especially during the initial post-op phase. Your ortho unit may have pre-written protocols for many of these issues...ask for copies so that you may review them. There is so much more to learn. Good luck!

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Thank you so much! That was really helpful :wink2:

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

KAW excellent advice.

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A family member has an upcoming total shoulder replacement, is anyone versed on the type and material makeup of the replacement parts?????

Family member said it might be a depaul?????OR depeau?????????:idea:

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I applied for an orthopedic position today so thanks for the heads up. I hope I get the job!!!!!!!!!!

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.
A family member has an upcoming total shoulder replacement, is anyone versed on the type and material makeup of the replacement parts?????

Family member said it might be a depaul?????OR depeau?????????:idea:

It's DePuy (dee-pue')http://www.depuy.com/home.jhtml?_requestid=924746

Part of Johnson and Johnson now. They make a bunch different ortho parts. http://www.jnjgateway.com/home.jhtml?

If your relative would allow, perhaps you could visit the doctor with her/him and ask.

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