Nursing Experience in Caring for a Female Athlete Outpatient Undergoing Ankle Ligament Surgery.

This article describes the outpatient nursing experience of a female athlete who underwent foot and ankle ligament reconstruction surgery. During the seven follow-up visits from May 21 to July 16, 2020, Gordon's Function Health Patterns and Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5) were used to assess and collect data through actual care, observations, interviews, and medical record reviews. It identified the main health problems as: uncertainty and anxiety, risk for falls and risk for infections. During the care process, the author established a good therapeutic interpersonal relationship and communication skill; guided the case to explain the reasons for anxiety and provided care measures to reduce uncertainty and anxiety; taught rehabilitation principles and the use of assistive devices to prevent falls; and used nursing skills to reduce potential wound infections. This sharing of care experience will serve as a reference for similar cases in future outpatient care. (Tzu Chi Nursing Journal, 2023; 22:4, 115-124) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]