Post-Op Protocols

About Knee Replacement: Walking After Knee Replacement – Day One

Medications

• Your pain medications may be given by epidural pump, IV, or by shots as ordered by your doctor.
• You will get IV antibiotics to prevent infection.
• You MAY get blood thinners to prevent blood clots
(if ordered by your doctor).

Activity

• The nurses will help you turn in bed every 2 to 4 hours.
• You will be out of bed in a chair 2 times a day and a therapist will help you walk 25 ft. with a walker.
• You should begin ankle pumps in the recovery room. You may use a motion machine, or CPM, 4 to 6 hours a day (if ordered by your doctor).
• Begin knee exercise program.

Breathing Exercises

• Deep breathing and/or using the breathing exerciser every 2 hours while awake is very important. This helps prevent pneumonia.

Diet

• You will have ice chips and will progress to clear liquids and solid food as tolerated.

Bathroom

• A catheter may be in place after surgery; it will be removed when you are able to get out of bed to the bedside commode.

Self Care

• You can feed yourself and can bathe your face and upper body.

Planning Your Return Home

• You will meet with the case manager to plan for equipment you may need at home.

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