A patient who had arthroscopic surgery of the left knee 5 days previously is admitted with a red, swollen, and hot-to-touch knee. Which of these assessment data obtained by the nurse should be reported to the health care provider immediately?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The elevated temperature suggests that the patient may have an infection and be in danger of developing septicemia as a complication of septic arthritis. Immediate blood cultures and initiation of antibiotic therapy are indicated. The other information is typical of septic arthritis and should also be reported to the health care provider, but it does not indicate any immediately life-threatening problems.

A Patient Who Had Arthroscopic Surgery of the Left Knee