Orthopaedic checklist

After 22 years of orthopedic experience, here is some of the things I would definitely include, not in any particular order:

-Assembling traction, whether it be for overhead frames, buck's etc.

-Symptoms of compartment syndrome. Sometimes they are very subtle and this is an orthopedic emergency.

-Do you have pathways for joint replacements? If you do, it is good to review this info, and differences from physician to physician (turning op or unop side, weight bearing, foleys/no foleys, anticoags, etc)

-CPM machines

-Pain management

-No anticoagulants while epidurals are in place

-Proper use of immobizers, slings, cryocuffs, ted hose, scd (compression boots),

-Absolutely no roomates with any type of infection with a total joint replacement patient! We are still trying to convince our charge nurse and admission coordinator of this.

I can't think of anymore right now, but if I do I will add.

Good luck!

knee immobolizers, 19 inch and 24 inch

cpm machines that can convert to pedi sizes (short legs,

assorted hard collars (aspen, miami j, etc)

soft collars

cast shoes, aka rocker shoes

ice (don't laugh, one ice machine may not be enuf)

a pt belt to help get a patient out of a chair or off the commode

and at least one rn who isn't squeemish abt leeches (if you use them. we use them for reattached fingers, and i'm the only one who'll handle them. i love them, even give them names as i apply them them)