Assignment task: Osteoarthritis Case Study
You meet an older woman in the total joint class who is considering joint replacement surgery but has not yet scheduled the procedure with her orthopedist. She has osteoarthritis and, because of increasing pain in her hips, she now uses a wheelchair when she goes out in public. She tells you she also has diabetes mellitus. What would you discuss with her to help her prepare appropriately for surgery? Factors to Consider. What would be the benefit of increased upper arm strength for this client? Is she maintaining tight control of the diabetes? Is weight loss an issue before surgery?