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When to Call the Nurse

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Before Your Surgery Day Of Surgery After Your Surgery

After an orthopedic surgery, you may experience some worrisome postoperative complications. Call the nurse if you experience any of the following concerns:

  • Temperature greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Increased warmth that is accompanied by redness and streaking or swelling.
  • Drainage that is thick, yellow, cloudy or green or white. It is normal to have clear-yellow to a pink-tinged fluid drain from the wound.
  • Foul odor at the wound site.
  • Continuous nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Excessive pain that is not relieved by pain medication and/or elevation of the upper extremity (higher than your heart) and ice.
  • Excessive drainage leaking through the surgical dressing.
  • Circulation problems – dusky or blue extremity or cold to the touch.
  • Any other postoperative question or concerns.