Patient Introduction
Marilyn Hughes is a 45-year-old female who suffered a left mid-shaft tibia-fibula fracture when she slipped on icy stairs this morning. She was taken to surgery for an open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF). She returned from surgery at 1:45 p.m. with a below-the-knee ace/splint dressing. Vital signs have been stable, and neurovascular checks have been within normal range. She has an IV of Lactated Ringer’s infusing at 75 mL/hour and is tolerating liquids well without nausea. Her diet could probably be advanced to regular dinner this evening. A family member has been with her at the bedside throughout the day. She began complaining of pain shortly after returning from surgery and was given morphine 6 mg IV at 2:15 p.m. She is now on every-30-minute postoperative vital signs. Last vital signs were BP: 130/82, HR: 88, RR: 16.
