Free Nursing Discharge Care Plan Template
Nursing Discharge Care Plan
Patient Information
Patient Name: Tom Walter
Date of Birth: January 15, 1975
Discharge Date: December 15, 2050
Diagnosis: Total Hip Replacement (Right)
Discharge Destination: Home
Primary Care Physician: Dr. Emmy Green
Phone Number: 222 555 7777
Emergency Contact: Berta Flatley
Contact Number: 222 555 7777
1. Medications and Instructions
Medication Name |
Dosage |
Frequency |
Instructions |
---|---|---|---|
Pain Reliever (Ibuprofen) |
200 mg |
Every 8 hours |
Take with food to avoid stomach upset. |
Antibiotic (Amoxicillin) |
500 mg |
Every 12 hours |
Complete the full 7-day course, even if symptoms improve. |
Blood Thinner (Aspirin) |
81 mg |
Once daily |
Take at the same time every day, preferably with breakfast. |
Stool Softener (Docusate Sodium) |
100 mg |
Once daily |
To prevent constipation due to pain medication. |
2. Wound Care Instructions
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Wound Site: Right hip incision
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Care Instructions:
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Keep the wound clean and dry.
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Change the dressing every 48 hours or sooner if it becomes wet or dirty.
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Use sterile gauze pads to cover the wound.
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Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment if instructed by the physician.
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Signs of Infection to Watch For:
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Increased redness, warmth, or swelling around the incision.
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Pus or drainage from the wound.
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Fever above 100°F (38°C).
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3. Activity Restrictions and Instructions
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Weight-Bearing Status: No weight-bearing on the right leg for 4 weeks. Use crutches for mobility.
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Movement Restrictions:
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Avoid bending the hip more than 90 degrees.
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Do not cross legs while sitting or lying down.
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Limit walking to short distances, and rest frequently.
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Exercise and Rehabilitation:
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Start physical therapy on December 17, 2050 (contact the rehab center at [YOUR COMPANY NAME] for scheduling).
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Follow the prescribed therapy exercises for strengthening and range of motion.
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Do not lift objects heavier than 5 pounds until cleared by the physical therapist.
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4. Follow-Up Appointments
Appointment Type |
Date |
Time |
Location |
---|---|---|---|
Primary Care Follow-up |
December 22, 2050 |
10:00 AM |
[YOUR COMPANY NAME] Clinic, 1234 Health St. |
Physical Therapy |
December 17, 2050 |
1:00 PM |
[YOUR COMPANY NAME] Rehab Center, 5678 Wellness Rd. |
Orthopedic Specialist |
January 5, 2051 |
2:30 PM |
[YOUR COMPANY NAME] Orthopedic Center, 9101 Joint Blvd. |
5. Emergency Instructions
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Signs of Complications to Watch For:
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Sudden or severe pain in the hip or leg.
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Swelling or tightness in the calf (possible blood clot).
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Shortness of breath or chest pain.
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When to Call for Help:
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If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, call [YOUR COMPANY NAME] at [YOUR COMPANY NUMBER] or seek immediate medical attention.
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6. Additional Information
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Home Support and Assistance:
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Family members are encouraged to assist with daily activities like meal preparation and transportation to appointments.
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A home health nurse will visit on December 20, 2050, to monitor recovery and assist with wound care.
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Patient Education:
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Avoid sitting or lying down for long periods; change positions frequently to reduce the risk of blood clots.
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Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to aid in the healing process.
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Prepared by: [YOUR NAME]
Email: [YOUR EMAIL]