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•    After hip replacements, pulmonary embolism may occur even without thrombosis in foot or leg.
•    Clients should sit in a straight, high chair; use a raised toilet seat; and never cross their legs.
•    In hip or knee replacement, clients will need assistive devices for walking until muscle tone strengthens and they can walk without pain.
•    After an amputation, the home must be assessed for any modifications needed to ensure safety.
•    Some clients will need transportation to continue rehabilitation.
•    Amputee support groups can help clients and family.
•    After arthroscopy, outpatient rehab may be prescribed depending on procedure; health care provider may prescribe knee immobilizer.
•    External Fixator - If possible, prepare the client preoperatively to reduce anxiety. Device looks clumsy, but patient should be reassured that discomfort is minimal.
•    After a hip pinning or femoral-head prosthesis, caution client not to force hip into more than 90 degree of flexion, into adduction or internal rotation which will cause dislocation and severe pain and this would be a nursing emergency.
•    Caution clients with a new prosthesis not to use any substances such as lotions, powders etc. unless prescribed by the health care provider.
•    Osteoporosis cannot be detected by conventional X-ray until more that 30% of bone calcium is lost.
•    Foods high in calcium include milk, cheeses, yogurt, turnip greens, cottage cheese, sardines, and spinach.
•    When performing a musculoskeletal assessment on a client with Paget’s disease, note the size and shape of the skull. The skulls of these clients will be soft, thick and enlarged.
•    Clients at high risk for acute osteomyelitis are: elderly, diabetics, and clients with peripheral vascular disease.
•    When clients receive corticosteroids long-term, evaluate them continually for side effects.
•    Immunosuppressed clients should avoid contact with persons who have infections.
•    Steroids may mask the signs of infections, so client should promptly report slightest change in temperature or other complaints.
•    Photosensitive clients should avoid the sun, limit outdoor activities during peak sun hours and wear sun block.