Maria Russo is a 76 year old woman who sustained an Intertrochanteric fracture of
the Right femur after she fell when watering her garden. She sustained a small
laceration to her Right Shoulder when she fell. Maria could not remember what
happened before she fell.
Maria's medical history includes osteoporosis, prediabetes and depression. She has
recently been experiencing some orthostatic hypotension. She has no significant
surgical history. Maria's current medications on admission are Aspirin 75mgs daily,
Citalopram 20mg and Alendronate Sodium 10mg orally daily.
Maria lives alone, her husband died 6 months ago. Maria’s adult children live
interstate. Pre-operatively Maria shared her concerns about her pet dog, Bonnie, and
who will care for her while she is in hospital.
Maria has undergone an Open Reduction and Internal fixation (ORIF) of the
fractured Right Neck of Femur under Spinal and General Anaesthesia.
Maria was nauseated in the Post anaesthetic care unit (PACU) and vomited a small
amount of green fluid. IV Metoclopramide was administered with good effect.
Post-operative surgical antibiotic prophylaxis and pharmaceutical and mechanical
thromboprophylaxis are ordered. An intravenous PCA of Morphine is ordered
together with regular intravenous Paracetamol.
The surgeon has ordered the drain tube to removed on Post-Operative day 2 (after
review)
Discharge is scheduled for post-operative day 5.
Observations on return to the ward
Airway: patent
Respiratory rate: 16 breaths/min Oxygen saturation: 97% on room air
Heart rate: 84 beats/min (irregular) Blood pressure: 100/60 mmHg
Capillary refill: 2 seconds
Intravenous therapy Cephalic vein Left arm: Hartmanns solution 8 hourly
Dressing to Right hip: Intact with small amount of bright red ooze on dressing
Redivac drain tube in situ: patent – 200 mL of bright red drainage
Bromage score: 2 Dermatome level: L2
Right foot pale, cool to touch, pedal pulse present, slight paraesthesia in toes
Graduated compression stockings in situ
Alert: orientated to time and place Pain score: 1/10 on rest, 3/10 on movement
Temperature: 36 C
BGL: 9 mmol/L
Maria sustains a skin tear to her lower right arm as you release the bed rails after
transferring her to her room.
Questions
1. Discuss the elements of open disclosure that are required in this situation. (100
words)
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