Ateneo De Zamboanga University

College of Nursing
NURSING SKILLS OUTPUT (NSO)
Report No. 12
ARTHOSCOPY
I.

DESCRIPTION

Arthroscopy is done through small incisions. During the

procedure, your orthopedic surgeon inserts the arthroscope
(a small camera instrument about the size of a pencil) into
your knee joint. The arthroscope sends the image to a
television monitor. On the monitor, your surgeon can see the
structures of the knee in great detail.
II.

MATERIALS/EQUIPMENTS NEEDED

Soap
Traction or Zinc Oxide Strapping
wooden spreader

Water
3inch (7.5 cm)

Single-Edge Razor

Cotton Bathing

Traction cord

Pulley

11 lb. (4.99 kg) weight

Benzoin

Crepe wrapping, roll of gauze tape, or zinc-oxide tape

PROCEDURE
1.
2.

The orthopedic surgeon will make a few small incisions in your knee.
A sterile solution will be used to fill the knee joint and rinse away any
cloudy fluid. This helps your orthopedic surgeon see your knee clearly
and in great detail.

3.

Your surgeon's first task is to properly diagnose your problem.

4.

The doctor will insert the arthroscope and use the image projected on
the screen to guide it.

5.

If surgical treatment is needed, your surgeon will insert tiny

instruments through another small incision. These instruments might be
scissors, motorized shavers, or lasers.

6.

Your surgeon may close your incisions with a stitch or steri-strips (small
bandaids) and cover them with a soft bandage.
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7.

You will be moved to the recovery room

III.

DIAGRAM/ILLUSTRATIONS

IV.

NURSING RESPONSIBLITIES
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

1. History taking - ask medicines that are taking, even drugs,

supplements, or herbs that bought without a prescription.
2. Ask to stop taking medicines that make it harder for blood to clot.
3. Asked the patient not to drink or eat anything for 6 to 12 hours
before the procedure.
4. Explain about the procedure and its purposes
5. All equipments should be ready for the procedure
DURING THE PROCEDURE
1. Maintain aseptic technique
2. Reassure the patient
3. Provide proper positioning.
4. Bandages & tapes are applied in a correct way.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE

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1. Monitor the Patient.

2. Apply an ace bandage on knee over the dressing.
3. Assist the patient in exercise as the doctors ordered.

REFERENCES:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00299
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002972.htm

FEBRUARY 16,17 and 18,2015

MN
DATE

MR. LEONARDO MORALES, RN

CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR

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LOUISE ANDREA C. BANGAYAN

BSN III - D

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