A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following total hip arthroplasty.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis?
Keep an abduction pillow between the client's legs.
Elevate the client's affected leg on a pillow when in bed.
Position the client's knees slightly higher than the hips when up in a chair.
Raise the head of the client's bed to a high-Fowler's position.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Keeping an abduction pillow between the client's legs is a preventive measure to avoid dislocation of the hip prosthesis. This positioning helps maintain the correct alignment of the hip joint, reducing the risk of dislocation. Abduction pillows are commonly used postoperatively after total hip arthroplasty to support proper hip positioning while the patient is in bed.
Choice B rationale:
Elevating the client's affected leg on a pillow when in bed is not recommended after total hip arthroplasty. This position could lead to hip adduction, increasing the risk of prosthesis dislocation. Maintaining abduction (spreading the legs apart) is the key to preventing dislocation, and elevation should be avoided to maintain proper alignment.
Choice C rationale:
Positioning the client's knees slightly higher than the hips when up in a chair is not an appropriate preventive measure for prosthesis dislocation. Proper alignment is crucial, and the client should avoid sitting in low chairs or on low surfaces that could cause the hips to be lower than the knees, potentially leading to dislocation.
Choice D rationale:
Raising the head of the client's bed to a high-Fowler's position is unrelated to preventing prosthesis dislocation. Fowler's position refers to elevating the head of the bed to assist with breathing and facilitate patient comfort. While this position might be suitable for certain respiratory conditions, it has no direct impact on the stability of a hip prosthesis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Having the client exhale deeper than she inhales is a breathing technique that can help manage pain but does not specifically address the request for pain management techniques during natural childbirth. Option A does not provide comprehensive information about pain management strategies during labor.
Choice B rationale:
Providing information about the use of hydrotherapy during labor is a valid suggestion. Hydrotherapy, such as taking a warm bath or using a shower during labor, can help alleviate pain and promote relaxation. It is a non-pharmacological pain management option that the client can consider.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging the client to have the family exit the room when the pain is unbearable may offer emotional support, but it does not provide a direct pain management technique. Additionally, the presence of loved ones can be a source of comfort for the client during labor.
Choice D rationale:
Informing the client that using pharmacological pain management will not impact the delivery is a true statement. Pharmacological pain relief methods, such as epidural anesthesia, do not affect the progress of labor or the outcome of delivery. However, this option does not provide an alternative pain management technique for the client who desires natural childbirth.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client with epidural analgesia and weakness in the lower extremities might be experiencing complications related to the epidural, such as epidural hematoma or nerve damage. However, the immediate concern is the client with a hip fracture and new onset of tachypnea. Tachypnea can indicate a pulmonary embolism or worsening respiratory status due to the fracture, both of which require urgent assessment and intervention.
Choice B rationale:
The client with diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 6.89% has a well-controlled blood glucose level. This condition does not require immediate attention compared to the client with a hip fracture and tachypnea, who might be experiencing a life-threatening complication.
Choice C rationale:
The client with a hip fracture and new onset of tachypnea is the priority for assessment. Tachypnea can be a sign of respiratory distress, which could indicate a pulmonary embolism or worsening lung function due to the fracture. Timely intervention is crucial to prevent further complications.
Choice D rationale:
The client with sinus arrhythmia and cardiac monitoring is stable and does not require immediate attention compared to the client with a hip fracture and tachypnea.
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