2. • It is of primary importance that
the nurse make sure that the
patient has been given specific
and individualized discharge
instructions
• These should be written by a
provider and reinforced verbally by
the nurse
• A provider telephone contact
should be included as well as
information regarding follow-up
care and appointments
3. • The instructions should be signed
by:
• Patient
• Provider
• Nurse
• A copy becomes part of the
patient's chart
• Forms and procedures for
discharge instructions may vary
per facility
5. Rest and Activity
• It is common to feel tired and
frustrated about not being able
to do all the things you want
• Plan regular naps and quiet
activities, gradually increasing
your exercise over the following
weeks
• When you begin to exercise
more, start by taking a short walk
two or three times per day
6. Consult your health care provider if
more specific exercises are required
• Climbing stairs in your home may
be surprisingly tiring at first
If you have difficulty with this
activity, try going upstairs backward
(“scooching”) on your “bottom”
until your strength has returned
• Consult your health care provider
to determine the appropriate
time to return to work
7. Eating
• Follow dietary instructions
provided at the facility before
your discharge.
• Your appetite may be limited or
you may feel bloated after meals
• this problem should lessen as you
become more active
• Some prescribed medications can
cause this
8. • If symptoms persist, consult your
health care provider
• Eat small, regular meals and
make them as nourishing as
possible to promote wound
healing.
9. Sleeping
• If sleeping is difficult because of
wound discomfort, try taking your
pain medication at bedtime
• Attempt to get sufficient sleep to
aid in your recovery
10. Wound Healing
• Your wound will go through
several stages of healing
• After initial pain at the site, the
wound may feel tingling, itchy,
numb, or tight (a slight pulling
sensation) as healing occurs
• Change the dressing according
to the surgeon's instructions
11. • Do not pull off any scabs
because they protect the
delicate new tissues underneath
• They will fall off without any help
when ready
• Consult your health care provider
if the amount of pain in your
wound increases or if you notice
increased redness, swelling, or
discharge from wound.
12. Bowels
• Irregular bowel habits can result
from changes in activity and diet
or the use of some drugs
• Avoid straining because it can
intensify discomfort in some
wounds
• Instead, use a rocking motion
while trying to pass stool
13. • Drink plenty of fluids and increase
the fiber in your diet
• fruits, vegetables, and
grains, as tolerated
• It may be helpful to take a mild
laxative
• Consult your health care provider
if you have any questions.
14. Bathing, Showering
• You may get your wound wet 3
days after your operation if the
initial dressing has already been
changed (unless otherwise
advised)
• Showering is preferable because
it allows for thorough rinsing of
the wound
15. • If you are feeling too
weak, place a plastic or metal
chair in the shower so you can
be seated during showering
• Be sure to dry your wound
thoroughly with a clean towel
and dress it as instructed before
discharge
16. Clothing
• Avoid tight belts and underwear
and other clothes with seams
that may rub against the wound
• Wear loose clothing for comfort
and to reduce mechanical
trauma to wound
17. Driving
• Ask your health care provider
when you may resume driving
• Safe driving may be affected by
your pain medication
• In addition, any violent jarring
from an accident may disrupt
your wound
18. Bending and Lifting
• Depends on the location and
nature of your surgery
• Typically, for most major
surgeries, you should avoid lifting
anything heavier than 5 lb for 4
to 8 weeks
• It is ideal to obtain home
assistance for the first 2 to 3
weeks after discharge
