title: Care of a patient undergoing spinal anaesthesia.
abstract: Care study Christine was admitted for a left total knee replacement under spinal anaesthesia. She was a 72-year-old woman who lived on her own and had been widowed for some years. She was supported by her children who lived close by. She was a very independent lady, determined to do as much for herself as possible. Her medical history included an appendicectomy 27 years ago, a left breast abscess drained in 1952, a patellectomy of the left knee under general anaesthetic and a hiatus hernia for the past 9 years which only caused problems when bending down. She was on little medication apart from oral anti-inflammatory analgesic for the osteoarthritis in her left knee. She was overweight and had difficulty in reducing her weight. Her mobility was limited and she walked with the aid of a stick.
authors.affiliation: (Registered General Nurse) is Recovery Nurse (General Surgery, Orthopaedic, Dental, and Ear Nose and Throat Surgery) at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Betina Lympany