Care of the orthopaedic patient in the ambulatory surgery setting

Orthopaedic surgical patients have specific needs based on the type of procedure, the anesthetic used, and the patient's individual social, physical, and emotional considerations. Although a procedure may be less extensive when the patient is discharged on the day of the procedure compared with an inpatient, the issues of mobility, activity level, medical equipment use, and potential complications are all considerations. This article provides insights about issues that nurses must address for orthopaedic and podiatric patients within the context of the ambulatory surgical experience.