Nursing Care for Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: Two Case Studies

Abstract

     This comparative 2 cases study of nursing care for patients after total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to compare causes, symptoms, treatment, complications, and nursing processes in caring for the two patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.  

     Results: It was found that the factors promoting the development of knee osteoarthritis in both case studies were the same, namely increased age and body weight. However, the differences can be presented as follows. The first case study was a seamstress, repeating the same gestures for a long time and had a history of having hysterectomy, causing decreased estrogen. Decreased estrogen causes weak joint tissues and joint hypermobility.¹ She was diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis. The second case study had a history of having an accident and invasive steel implant surgery and was diagnosed with tertiary osteoarthritis from post traumatic osteoarthritis. Gordon’s 11 functional health patterns were used as a framework for collecting data and analyzing and formulating nursing diagnosis. The first case study had 15 items and the second case study had 18 items. Follow-up care was provided after surgery. It was found that the knee joints of the first case study were recovered and can be bent by 0-120 degrees. A walker frame was used. Daily activities can be performed closely to normal. After discharging, the second case study number did not follow the instructions due to fear of knee pain, so the knees cannot be bent to their full range. Therefore, Gibson’s concept of empowerment was applied to nursing care of the patient so that the patient can bend the knee by 0-120 degrees.