Nursing Insight: Differentiating Postsurgical Erythema from Infection in Joint Replacements

Understanding the differences between normal postsurgical healing and signs of potential infection is crucial for both bedside and MDS assessment nurses. Arthroplasty involves both skin incisions and joint replacement, leading to some level of skin erythema. Determining when this erythema signals normal healing, suture hypersensitivity, or an evolving infection can guide appropriate treatment and coding.

Even though MDS assessment nurses might not be directly at the bedside, understanding these indicators can be vital for accurate coding, particularly  for Sections I2500 and M1040E. Remember that if you note an infection that hasn’t already been diagnosed by the physician to alert the appropiate staff team member and Query the doctor for the dx in order to code your MDS accurately.

For Key Indicators of Infection to Watch for click the link below 

 Ask the wound care expert…surgical site infection – McKnight’s Long-Term Care News