A nurse is caring for a client who had a total right hip arthroplasty. In which of the following positions should the nurse place the client to prevent complications?
Prone with the legs adducted
Side-lying on the affected side
Supine with the head slightly elevated
High-Fowler's with a pillow under the knees
The Correct Answer is C
A. Prone with the legs adducted: Prone positioning is not recommended after hip arthroplasty as it places pressure on the surgical site and does not support proper hip alignment. Adduction of the legs increases the risk of hip dislocation.
B. Side-lying on the affected side: Lying on the operative side can cause pain and increase pressure on the hip joint, which may compromise healing. It is generally recommended to avoid side-lying positions unless specifically advised by the provider.
C. Supine with the head slightly elevated: Keeping the client in a supine position with the head elevated and the legs abducted helps maintain proper hip alignment and reduces the risk of dislocation. A wedge or abduction pillow is often used to prevent the legs from crossing.
D. High-Fowler's with a pillow under the knees: A high-Fowler's position increases hip flexion beyond the recommended 90-degree limit, which can lead to dislocation. Placing a pillow under the knees can also increase the risk of venous stasis and deep vein thrombosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Discontinue opioids before trying nonpharmacological methods of pain relief: Nonpharmacological interventions can be used alongside opioids to enhance pain relief. Abruptly discontinuing opioids can lead to withdrawal symptoms and inadequate pain control.
B. Pain relief from the use of heat and cold continues for several hours after removal of the stimulus: While heat and cold therapy can provide temporary relief, their effects typically last for a short duration, usually around 15 to 30 minutes after removal.
C. Use imagery with clients who have difficulty with focus and concentration: Guided imagery requires cognitive focus and the ability to concentrate. Clients with impaired attention may struggle to benefit from this technique.
D. Distraction changes the client's perception of pain, but it does not affect the cause: Distraction techniques, such as music or conversation, help shift the client's attention away from pain, altering perception but not addressing the underlying pathology.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Palpate the dorsalis pedis pulse: Assessing distal pulses ensures adequate circulation to the affected extremity. Impaired blood flow can indicate compartment syndrome or vascular compromise, which are serious complications following fracture stabilization. The nurse should also monitor capillary refill, skin temperature, and sensation.
B. Maintain the affected extremity in a dependent position: Keeping the extremity in a dependent position can increase swelling and venous congestion, leading to complications such as compartment syndrome. Elevation is recommended to minimize edema and promote venous return.
C. Wrap sterile gauze on the sharp point of the pins: The pin sites should be left uncovered to allow for proper monitoring of signs of infection or loosening. Instead, pin site care should be performed per facility protocol to reduce infection risk.
D. Adjust the clamps on the fixator frame: Adjusting the external fixator clamps is outside the nurse's scope of practice. Any modifications to the device should be performed by the orthopedic provider to prevent improper alignment and complications.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
