A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Assess the client's incision every 8 hours for the first 48 hours.
Inform the assistive personnel of the client's weight-bearing status.
Instruct the client to cross their legs at the ankles when sitting in a chair.
Teach the client's partner to assist the client to flex the hip at least 120° each hour.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is b. Inform the assistive personnel of the client’s weight-bearing status.
Choice A: Assess the client’s incision every 8 hours for the first 48 hours. While it is important to monitor the incision site for signs of infection, the frequency of every 8 hours for the first 48 hours may not be necessary unless specified by the surgeon or the patient’s condition warrants it.
Choice B: Inform the assistive personnel of the client’s weight-bearing status. This is the correct answer. After a total hip arthroplasty, it’s crucial to communicate the client’s weight-bearing status to all members of the healthcare team, including assistive personnel. This helps ensure that everyone is aware of the client’s mobility limitations and can assist the client safely.
Choice C: Instruct the client to cross their legs at the ankles when sitting in a chair. This is not recommended. After a hip arthroplasty, patients are typically advised not to cross their legs to prevent dislocation of the new hip joint.
Choice D: Teach the client’s partner to assist the client to flex the hip at least 120° each hour. This is not recommended. After a hip arthroplasty, patients are typically advised to avoid flexing the hip more than 90 degrees to prevent dislocation of the new hip joint1. Therefore, flexing the hip at least 120° each hour could potentially harm the patient.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The age of the client might impact the care plan, but it doesn't directly relate to the cost effectiveness of care. Older patients might have different health considerations, but the length of their stay and the services they require play a more significant role in cost evaluation.
Choice B rationale:
While the availability of community support groups can be beneficial for the client's overall well-being and recovery, it doesn't directly contribute to evaluating the cost effectiveness of care. Community support groups are more about psychosocial support than cost.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct choice. The length of the client's stay directly affects the cost of care. Longer stays often involve more resources, medications, treatments, and staff time, leading to higher costs. Shorter and more efficient stays are generally more cost-effective.
Choice D rationale:
The type of insurance the client carries is relevant to the client's financial responsibility for their care, but it doesn't assist in evaluating the overall cost effectiveness of care. The insurance type might affect reimbursement rates, but it doesn't provide a comprehensive picture of cost efficiency.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D.
Choice A rationale:
“A client who is in balanced skeletal traction.” This client requires specialized orthopedic knowledge to manage the traction and monitor for complications. A nurse without orthopedic experience may not be familiar with the care required.
Choice B rationale:
“A client who had a total hip arthroplasty 3 days ago.” This client is likely to require specialized post-operative care, including pain management, mobility assistance, and monitoring for complications such as infection or dislocation. These tasks typically require specific orthopedic training.
Choice C rationale:
“A client who has a fractured femur with a new cast.” This client will require specialized care to manage the cast, monitor for complications such as compartment syndrome, and provide pain management. These tasks typically require specific orthopedic training.
Choice D rationale:
“A client who had a right above-the-knee amputation 24 hours ago.” This is the correct answer. While this client will require post-operative care, the care is likely to be similar to the post-operative care provided on a medical unit, such as pain management, wound care, and monitoring for complications. Therefore, a nurse from a medical unit could likely provide appropriate care for this client.
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