Question

PLEASE TYPE YOUR ANSWERS

Emmy is a 16-year-old student who runs cross country and track for her school teams. Recently, she has been stating that she has pain in her left knee. Today she fell during a track meet and was taken off the field to receive medical attention. The team’s school nurse assesses Emmy and notes that there is swelling and tenderness around the knee. After being examined by a sports medicine physician the next morning, Emmy is diagnosed with a torn meniscus and is scheduled for a closed meniscectomy.

1. Following the procedure, what interventions should the PACU nurse perform?

Emmy is discharged home following the immediate postoperative phase. Her mother will be driving her home and caring for her during recovery.

2. What patient and caregiver teaching should the nurse provide?
3. What should the nurse tell Emmy about what to expect after her injury heals?

Answer 1

PACU Nurse interventions post closed Meniscectomy:

• Provision of post -anesthesia care and monitored as the patient recovers from the effects of anesthesia.
• Maintenance of vital signs , airway patency .
• Monitoring of neurological status.
• Management of pain and nausea following the surgery.

Patient and caregiver teaching provided by the nurse :

• Educate the patient and the caregiver about the potential side effects and complications after the surgery.
• Take medications as prescribed and to keep the follow-up.
• Return to normal routine gradually.
• Proper wound care and nutritional diet.

Emmy to expect after her injury heals:

• Return to normal physical activity within 2 to 4 weeks .
• If full range of motion without pain is achieved then she can return to previous activity level.