Patient/caregiver was instructed upon fall Precautions during immediate post-hip replacement as follows:
- Falls and accidents can happen during the immediate post-surgical phase, as the incapacitating pain could be poorly supporting the weight of the individual. Observe compliance with the general fall precautions and use of assistive devices, as recommended, for fall & accident prevention. Assistive device helps with taking off some weight from the hurting surgical joint, which aids in pain relief. During the night, leave your assistive device by your bedside for an easy reach. This can help pick the device up on a restroom trip easily.
- Many analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications used in management of arthritis and pain control carry the side-effects of inducing dizziness and confusion in individuals. This can compromise safety and contribute to undue fall. Individuals taking these medications must be aware of this side-effect and seek needed timely assistance from caregivers for fall prevention.
- Overall poor fluid intake can contribute to low blood pressure numbers, which can contribute to dizziness, confusion, and fall risk. Drink fluids liberally or as recommended during the daytime and wakeful hours. Limit your fluid intake after dinner and during the night, which can help reduce the trips to the restroom during the night. Using a urinal or bedside commode during the night can be of additional help.
- During the immediate phase of hip replacement, it can be difficult for the individual to enter the regular shower, by safely lifting the affected leg and bending the hip. Having a walk-in shower can help avoid this stress on the tender joints. Individuals can choose to have a shower chair, so that, they can be seated while taking shower and avoid the stress of weightbearing on the involved hip. Make sure the shower chair has armrests, which offer better support to hold on to while sitting and getting out of the chair. Make sure the seat of the chair is a little high up, which makes the task easier.
