The nurse is assigned to care for a client who is 2 days postoperative after an above-the-knee amputation of the right leg. The nurse plans to implement which measure to prevent hip contractures?

Choice A rationale
Administering diuretic medication as prescribed is an important intervention for managing fluid overload in heart failure. Diuretics help reduce fluid accumulation by increasing urine output, which can alleviate symptoms such as swelling and shortness of breath. However, before administering any medication, it is crucial to assess the client’s current respiratory status and oxygen saturation to determine the severity of their condition and ensure that the intervention is appropriate and safe.
Choice B rationale
Elevating the client’s legs can help reduce swelling in the lower extremities by promoting venous return and decreasing fluid accumulation. While this intervention can provide some relief, it does not address the immediate concern of the client’s respiratory status. Assessing the client’s respiratory status and oxygen saturation is a priority to ensure that they are receiving adequate oxygenation and to identify any potential respiratory distress that may require urgent intervention.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the client’s respiratory status and oxygen saturation is the first priority in this scenario. Heart failure can lead to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange, resulting in shortness of breath and decreased oxygen levels. By assessing the client’s respiratory status and oxygen saturation, the nurse can determine the severity of the client’s condition, identify any immediate respiratory needs, and implement appropriate interventions to improve oxygenation and respiratory function.
Choice D rationale
Restricting fluid intake is a common intervention for managing fluid overload in heart failure. By limiting fluid intake, the nurse can help prevent further fluid accumulation and reduce the risk of worsening symptoms. However, this intervention does not address the immediate concern of the client’s respiratory status. Assessing the client’s respiratory status and oxygen saturation is a priority to ensure that they are receiving adequate oxygenation and to identify any potential respiratory distress that may require urgent intervention.

Choice A rationale
Decreasing the secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) by the pituitary gland is not a compensatory response to fluid volume deficit. TSH primarily regulates thyroid function and metabolism, and its secretion is not directly related to fluid balance or osmolality.
Choice B rationale
Increasing renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activity by the kidneys is the body’s primary compensatory response to fluid volume deficit. When there is a decrease in blood volume or blood pressure, the kidneys release renin, which activates the RAAS. This system increases the reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys, leading to an increase in blood volume and blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Decreasing the secretion of cortisol by the adrenal gland is not a compensatory response to fluid volume deficit. Cortisol is a stress hormone that helps regulate metabolism, immune response, and other functions, but it is not directly involved in fluid balance.
Choice D rationale
Increasing the secretion of natriuretic peptides by the heart is a response to fluid overload, not fluid deficit. Natriuretic peptides promote the excretion of sodium and water by the kidneys, which helps reduce blood volume and pressure. This response is opposite to what is needed in a fluid volume deficit situation.