A smooth and speedy recovery depends on your help and cooperation. Your participation is essential in reaching your goal to return home and avoid complications.
Many patients wonder how long they will need to stay in the hospital after surgery. Your health care team will work with you to determine discharge and home care needs.
Your hospital stay will follow a standard care plan. The progress you make toward going home will be measured by how you meet the daily goals outlined in the plan. These goals include pain management, activity and preventing complications.
 | Activity plan | Pain control | Breathing exercises | As ordered by doctor | Discharge planning |
Day of surgery | Sit on the edge of the bed with help.
Use bedside commode with help.
Turn to your side in bed with help.
Do ankle pumps and quadricep exercises 10 times each hour while awake.
You may stand and take a few steps in place with help. | Use the pain scale.
Use pain medicines.
Use cold therapy. | Do 10 times each hour while awake:
- Cough — deep breathe.
- Use your incentive spirometer.
- Use oxygen if needed.
| continuous passive motion (CPM) machine
white elastic socks
knee immobilizer
sequential compression device | |
First day after surgery | Be up in a chair with help.
Be up to the bedside commode with help.
Turn to your side in bed with help.
Do ankle pumps and quadricep exercises 10 times each hour while awake.
Participate in therapy twice a day (Take pain medicine before therapy).
Participate in personal hygiene. | Use the pain scale.
Use pain medicines as needed.
Use cold therapy. | Do 10 times each hour while awake:
- Cough — deep breathe.
- Use your incentive spirometer.
- Use oxygen if needed.
| continuous passive motion (CPM) machine
white elastic socks
knee immobilizer
sequential compression device | Review your discharge plan with the health care team and your family:
- discharge destination
- equipment needed at home
- home help
- transportation
- discharge date
- discharge education needed
|
Second day after surgery | Be up in a chair with help.
Walk to bathroom and in the halls with help.
Change positions in bed with minimal help.
Continue independent practice of knee exercise program.
Attend therapy sessions.
Participate in bathing and brushing your teeth. | Use the pain scale.
Use pain medicines as needed.
Use cold therapy. | Continue:
- Cough — deep breathe.
- Use your incentive spirometer.
| continuous passive motion (CPM) machine
white elastic socks
knee immobilizer
sequential compression devicee | |
Remainder of stay | Move toward doing activities independently.
Walk to bathroom and in halls 3 to 4 times per da.
Transfer in/out of bed/chair.
Change position in bed.
Attend therapy sessions.
Perform knee exercises.
Participate in bathing and brushing your teeth.
Shower with incision covered, if OK with doctor.
Wear elastic white socks.
Use your CPM as directed by your doctor.
Wear your immobilizer as directed by your doctor. | Use the pain scale.
Use pain medicines as needed.
Use cold therapy. | Continue:
- Cough — deep breathe.
- Use your incentive spirometer.
| continuous passive motion (CPM) machine
white elastic socks
knee immobilizer | Finalize discharge plans:
- discharge date/destination
- transportation
- home equipment ready
- family/friend support established
- prescriptions provided
- all discharge education reviewed
- questions answered
|
