A nurse in a one-day surgery center is providing discharge teaching for a client who is postoperative following a partial meniscectomy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a significant concern following knee replacement surgery due to the increased risk of blood clot formation associated with immobility and surgery. Limited mobility can predispose the patient to stasis of blood flow, which increases the risk of VTE.

B. While fluid and electrolyte imbalance can occur postoperatively, especially if the patient experiences complications such as excessive bleeding or fluid shifts, limited mobility alone is less likely to directly lead to this complication as a priority.

C. Limited mobility can potentially impact surgical wound healing by delaying the resolution of edema, impairing circulation, and increasing the risk of infection. However, this complication may not be as immediate or life-threatening as others on the list.

D. Hypovolemic shock, characterized by inadequate tissue perfusion due to decreased circulating blood volume, is a severe complication that can result from significant blood loss. While bleeding can occur postoperatively, it is less common as a complication of knee replacement surgery, especially within the first few days.

A. Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees and hips. Smoking may contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress, which can exacerbate joint damage.

D. Aging is a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis. As individuals age, the cartilage in their joints may naturally deteriorate over time, leading to the development of osteoarthritis.

E. Obesity is a well-established risk factor for osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. Excess body weight places increased stress on the joints, leading to accelerated wear and tear of the joint cartilage.

B. Bacteria are not typically associated with the development of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is primarily a non-inflammatory condition related to wear and tear on the joints rather than an infectious process.

C. Diuretics are medications used to treat conditions such as hypertension and edema by increasing urine output. There is no direct evidence linking diuretic use to the development of osteoarthritis.