Preventing complications (problems) after knee replacement surgery

Your caregivers will do many things to reduce your chance of a developing a complication after surgery.

Your blood pressure, temperature and pulse will be taken often after surgery.
Your involved leg will be checked often for movement, feeling, circulation and pulse.
To improve circulation and strength, you will do thigh squeezes, buttock squeezes, ankle pumps and ankle circles.
You will wear white elastic socks to support your muscles, promote circulation and prevent blood clots.
You will receive medicine that prevents blood clots.
You will do deep breathing, coughing exercises, and use an incentive spirometer to help your respiratory system.
Your dressing and incision will be checked regularly. The dressing is changed 1 to 2 days after surgery. The sutures or staples are usually removed at your first clinic visit after you leave the hospital.
You may have a small tube that's connected to a wound drain or collection container. It will draw out excess blood and fluid from the area around your incision. This small tube will be removed one to two days after surgery.
You may have a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine on your involved leg.
You will have an IV for 1 to 2 days. It is important to drink six to eight glasses of fluid.
Your nurse will order you a regular diet when you have bowel sounds and can pass gas.
Your inactivity and pain medicine combined can cause constipation. To help avoid this, drink plenty of fluids, include fiber in your diet, and increase your activity as you can. Talk to your nurse about a bowel program if you are uncomfortable and the actions above aren't working.

If you have questions about these care activities, ask your doctor or nurse.