Effectiveness of nursing interventions in alleviating perceived problems among orthopaedic patients

The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of nursing interventions in alleviating the problems as perceived by 50 hospitalised orthopaedic patients selected through convenience sampling. A descriptive exploratory approach was adopted. Structured interview schedule with 90 items and a checklist with a three-point rating was designed. Tools were found to be valid and reliable (r = 0.78). Findings of the study were: the most perceived problem was urinary retention (46%) and the least was diarrhoea (8%). Pain was the most frequent complaint of the patients (92%), 14% had foot drop, 8% had no family support, 30% of the patients had financial problems, 20% of the patients were unhappy with nurses' attitude and lack of information about their condition. The most effective nursing measure in relieving anorexia was ensuring food was provided in a clean and pleasant environment (50%). Administration of stool softeners or enema was the most effective measure in relieving constipation (100%). Most effective nursing care in alleviation of urinary retention was offering urinal and privacy during urination (100%). The psychological problems were dealt with by enquiring about patient's problems and providing information (50%), hope to return to original self and nurse's explanation about procedures (100%) for patients. There was no association between the perceived problems and the variables, age, duration of stay, and the type of immobility of the patient. There was no association between the perceived problems and sex. There was no significant relationship between the perceived biophysical and psychosocial problems.