Trauma Discharge Instructions
You should call your doctor if:
-
Temperature is greater than 101.5°F
-
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
-
Chest pain
-
Dizziness
-
New drainage or redness at incision/wound site
-
Increased pain
-
Headache out of proportion
-
Nausea or vomiting
Safety with opioids:
Opioids are strong medications that change the way your brain perceives pain. Examples include hydrocodone (Norco) or oxycodone (Percocet). Opioids can be dangerous if you do not use them correctly. While you are taking opioids, follow these rules for safety:
-
Do not drink alcohol.
-
Do not take sleep pills.
Constipation is the most common side effect. Drink extra water and take a laxative or stool softeners if needed.
The most serious side effect is decreased breathing. Especially when sleeping. This can be deadly. If family or friends notice this problem, they should get medical help right away by calling 911.
If you have pills left, get rid of them by dropping them off at a drug collection site.
Safety with over-the-counter pain pills:
-
Please follow each label if using over the counter pain pills. Do not take more than instructed.
-
Do not take too much acetaminophen (Tylenol). Some prescribed pain pills may have acetaminophen (such as Norco and Percocet). Ask your pharmacist if this is the case for you.
-
Confusion or lethargy or weakness on one side
You should call 911 for any emergency.
Smoking Cessation Info:
If you or a member of your family smoke, your Doctor and Health Team strongly advise you to STOP smoking.
Activity:
No running, jumping, leg lifts, sit ups, pushups. No lifting more than 10 pounds, no bike riding, no surfboarding. No horseback riding, parachuting, and bungee cord jumping. You should walk frequently but no vigorous activity.
Pulmonary:
Cough and deep breathe at least every hour while awake. Use Incentive Spirometer at least once per hour while awake.
Prevention of Blood Clots in legs:
Do not sit for extended periods with your legs down. You should be walking, lying down, or sitting with your legs raised. Exercise your calves every hour while awake.
Wound care:
Keep your wounds clean and dry. Do not keep touching your wounds. Do not submerge in water (ocean, bath, Jacuzzi, etc.) your wound until healed. You may clean your wounds daily with soap and water, may apply Bacitracin. If your wounds become red, or drain pus, or if you have increased pain, or if you have a fever > 101.5°F then call your physician. These directions may not apply to all wounds, please discuss with your provider before going home.
Cast/splint care:
Keep the cast/splint dry and intact. Do not get the cast/splint wet and do not remove. If allowed to shower, wrap cast or splint with plastic to protect from water (use cast shield). Keep limb elevated to reduce swelling.
About pain medication:
Take pain medication as needed. Do not take more than prescribed. Pain medication will help relieve the pain but it will not take it away completely. Your pain will lessen over time and so will your need for pain medication. Please read the safety information below.
The Trauma Service and pain medication:
The Trauma Service can only address short term pain and does not treat long term pain. This is the Trauma Service policy:
When you leave the hospital, we will provide a prescription to treat your short-term pain.
The Trauma Service does NOT refill pain medications. Exceptions may apply for clinic follow ups.
Contacting the Trauma Nurse Practitioners