Survey of nursing process among postoperative lower extremity fractures in the elderly patients at Trauma - Orthopedics and Thoracic Surgery Department - Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital

Abstract: Introduction: Lower extremity fracture is a common disease in the elderly, often with comorbidities, so caring for postoperative patients encounters many difficulties such as infection, hygiene, position change, pressure ulcers, as other complications due to comorbidities in the elderly. Evaluate the results of implementing patient care procedures to improve the quality of treatment and care. Objectives: To investigate the nursing process among postoperative lower extremity fractures in the elderly and associated factors with the nursing process. Methodology: A longitudinal follow-up study was conducted on 92 elderly patients with postoperative lower limb fractures at the Trauma - Orthopedics and Thoracic Surgery Department, Hue UMP’s Hospital. Data was collected from April 2020 to May 2021, using a set of designed questionnaires to examine the nursing process. Results: 100% complete medical order, no unhappy patients, 81.5% of patients received coordinated medical care. However, patients with the delayed movement were 54.4%, patients completely dependent on daily activities 47.8%, and 29.3% of patients did not adhere to the pathological diet. Conclusion: The results of the correct caring process for elderly patients after lower limb fracture surgery provide initial information to improve the results of treatment and care. Key words: Nursing process, lower extremity fracture, postoperative care.