Patient history
As in all medical specialities, a thorough history is vital to allow a patient to be treated safely and without delay. Often requiring surgery, patients must be assessed for co-morbidities that may need optimising. A surgical history must include:
Orthopaedic patients are often elderly and frail and particularly require careful management. Early administration of analgesia, intravenous fluids and skin traction for comfort will keep them optimised for surgery. Asking for the input of the physicians on site is vital and should be done early. In patients with dementia, history may be augmented via questioning carers and family, nursing home staff and GP's.
Major trauma patients should be assessed for other injuries with a high suspicion of injury to the brain and cervical spine.
- Other medical problems
- Regular medication
- Medication that may require stopping or reversal (eg. warfarin)
- Allergies to medication
- Previous surgery (and problems with anaesthetics)
- Time of last meal and drink
Orthopaedic patients are often elderly and frail and particularly require careful management. Early administration of analgesia, intravenous fluids and skin traction for comfort will keep them optimised for surgery. Asking for the input of the physicians on site is vital and should be done early. In patients with dementia, history may be augmented via questioning carers and family, nursing home staff and GP's.
Major trauma patients should be assessed for other injuries with a high suspicion of injury to the brain and cervical spine.
