Protocolo de cuidados enfermeros perioperatorios en cirugía de rodilla geriátrica

The need to develop a nursing care protocol adapted to the Ecuadorian context was identified, aiming to optimize care throughout the three phases of the perioperative period in knee surgeries for older adults. The objective was to standardize nursing interventions, strengthen the professional role, and promote safer, more humane, and effective patient care. To achieve this, a systematic review of scientific literature published between January and March 2024 was conducted, using recognized academic databases and applying rigorous methodological criteria. A descriptive-comparative qualitative approach with a non-experimental design was employed, based on documentary analysis. The findings revealed distinct care practices for each perioperative phase, highlighting educational, psycho-emotional, and clinical interventions in the preoperative stage; preventive measures against intraoperative complications; and multimodal strategies for postoperative pain management and recovery. The information was systematized using the NANDA diagnostic classification, NOC expected outcomes, and NIC interventions. Based on this evidence, a context-specific protocol was proposed to enhance the quality of nursing care for geriatric patients undergoing knee surgery. The study provided a practical, evidence-based tool tailored to the characteristics of the Ecuadorian healthcare system.