A nurse is planning care for a client who has bacterial meningitis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

A. Use an elevated toilet seat: Using an elevated toilet seat can help prevent excessive bending of the hip joint, reducing strain and potential dislocation risk after total hip replacement surgery.
B. Log rolling onto the operative side is contraindicated after total hip replacement surgery. This movement could place excessive stress on the newly replaced hip joint, increasing the risk of dislocation and complications.
C. Keeping the affected heel on the bed helps maintain proper alignment and precautions after total hip replacement surgery. It supports the hip joint and reduces the risk of dislocation by preventing excessive rotation or movement.
D. While some hip exercises are beneficial, internal and external rotation exercises are typically avoided immediately after total hip replacement surgery to prevent strain on the new joint.

D. Capillary refill time greater than 2 seconds suggests impaired peripheral circulation, which could indicate vascular compromise or inadequate perfusion to the extremity. In a client with an external fixator, compromised circulation could lead to serious complications such as compartment syndrome or tissue necrosis.
A. This finding may be within the expected range for drainage following surgery, particularly if the client has undergone orthopedic surgery involving the placement of an external fixator. However, the nurse should continue to monitor the drainage and assess for any signs of increased bleeding or hematoma formation.
B. While a low-grade fever alone may not require immediate intervention, the nurse should assess the client further for other signs and symptoms of infection, such as increased pain, redness, warmth, or drainage at the surgical site.
C. While the client's pain level of 7 may require intervention to manage discomfort, it does not necessarily indicate an immediate threat to the client's safety or well-being.