Which of the following should be included in patient teaching after hip replacement surgery?
"Be sure to bend at the hip, not the knee, to pick up items."
internally rotating your leg is okay, but do not externally rotate it."
If we need so help you roll in bed, we will roll you towards the operative side.
You should keep your knees apart using a wedge or pillow.
The Correct Answer is D
A) "Be sure to bend at the hip, not the knee, to pick up items."
After hip replacement surgery, patients are instructed to avoid bending at the hip beyond 90 degrees, as this can dislocate the newly replaced hip. The correct guidance would be to avoid bending at the hip and instead bend at the knee when picking up items, ensuring the hip joint stays in a safe position.
B) "Internally rotating your leg is okay, but do not externally rotate it."
Internal rotation of the hip joint should also be avoided post-surgery, as it can increase the risk of dislocation. The correct teaching is to prevent both internal and external rotation of the hip to ensure the joint remains stable. Patients should be instructed to avoid twisting motions that can compromise the surgical repair.
C) "If we need to help you roll in bed, we will roll you towards the operative side."
This can place undue pressure on the newly replaced hip, potentially leading to dislocation or injury. The operative side should be kept stable and protected, so it is safer to roll the patient onto the non-operative side if necessary.
D) "You should keep your knees apart using a wedge or pillow."
It is essential to keep the knees apart, typically using a wedge or pillow between the legs. This prevents the hip from adducting (moving toward the midline) and reducing the risk of dislocation. Maintaining this position ensures the hip remains in a safe, stable alignment during the healing process.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Respiratory acidosis:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an increased CO2 level (above 45 mmHg) due to hypoventilation or impaired gas exchange, leading to a decrease in pH (below 7.35). In this case, the CO2 level is 25 mmHg, which is lower than normal and suggests a loss of CO2, not an accumulation. Therefore, respiratory acidosis is not the correct interpretation of these ABG results.
B. Metabolic acidosis:
Metabolic acidosis occurs when the pH drops below 7.35 due to conditions like kidney failure, diarrhea, or diabetic ketoacidosis. This would typically be accompanied by a low bicarbonate (HCO3-) level (less than 22 mEq/L). However, in this case, the pH is 7.52 (alkalotic), and the HCO3- level is 24 mEq/L, which is within the normal range. Thus, metabolic acidosis is not the correct interpretation.
C. Respiratory alkalosis:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a decrease in CO2 (less than 35 mmHg) due to hyperventilation, which causes an increase in pH (above 7.45). In this case, the pH is 7.52 (alkalotic), and the CO2 is 25 mmHg, which is lower than the normal range (35–45 mmHg). The bicarbonate (HCO3-) level is 24 mEq/L, which is normal and compensatory. This matches the pattern of respiratory alkalosis, where the body compensates with a normal bicarbonate level as CO2 decreases.
D. Metabolic alkalosis:
Metabolic alkalosis occurs when the pH rises above 7.45, often due to excessive vomiting, diuretic use, or antacid overuse, leading to an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels. While the pH is 7.52, indicating alkalosis, the bicarbonate (HCO3-) level is 24 mEq/L, which is within the normal range for bicarbonate. In metabolic alkalosis, you would typically see an elevated HCO3- level, which is not the case here. Therefore, metabolic alkalosis is not the correct interpretation of these ABG results.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Obtain a 12-lead ECG:
The client’s potassium level of 6.6 mEq/L is significantly elevated which places the patient at risk for cardiac arrhythmias. Elevated potassium levels can cause dangerous changes in the electrical activity of the heart, leading to peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and even cardiac arrest. A 12-lead ECG is necessary to assess the heart's electrical activity and to identify any potential arrhythmias
B) Request an electroencephalogram (EEG):
An EEG is used to assess brain activity and is typically indicated for conditions such as seizures or epilepsy. This client’s laboratory findings do not suggest a neurological concern that would warrant an EEG.
C) Assess for Chvostek's sign:
Chvostek's sign is used to assess for hypocalcemia or tetany, where a twitching of the facial muscles occurs upon tapping the facial nerve. However, the client’s primary issue here is elevated potassium levels, which are a more immediate concern than hypocalcemia. Hyperkalemia can have more severe and urgent consequences, particularly for the heart, so Chvostek's sign is not the priority at this time.
D) Obtain a chest X-ray:
A chest X-ray is not indicated based on the client’s current electrolyte imbalance or renal failure status. While a chest X-ray may be useful for various other concerns, the client’s elevated potassium level is the primary issue, and the priority intervention is to assess and manage the potential for cardiac arrhythmias with a 12-lead ECG.
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