A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total left hip arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Cross the client's legs when sitting in the recliner.
Provide a heating pad to the operative hip.
Place a pillow between the legs when turning the client to their side.
Have the client lean forward when assisting them out of the bed.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should not cross the client's legs when sitting in the recliner following a total left hip arthroplasty. Crossing the legs can put strain on the operative hip and may increase the risk of dislocation or other complications.
Choice B rationale:
Providing a heating pad to the operative hip is not recommended. Heat can increase blood flow to the area and may lead to increased swelling and potential complications in the postoperative period.
Choice C rationale:
Placing a pillow between the legs when turning the client to their side is the correct action. This technique is known as the "abduction pillow”. or "wedge pillow.”. It helps maintain proper hip alignment and prevents the operated leg from crossing the midline, reducing the risk of dislocation and promoting healing.
Choice D rationale:
Having the client lean forward when assisting them out of the bed is not appropriate after a total left hip arthroplasty. Leaning forward can put strain on the hip joint and increase the risk of injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A PT (Prothrombin Time) of 12 seconds is not indicative of the effectiveness of heparin therapy for a pulmonary embolism. PT measures the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade, and it is more relevant to monitor in patients on warfarin therapy.
Choice B rationale:
The aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) of 75 seconds is the correct choice as it reflects the effectiveness of unfractionated heparin therapy. Heparin works by inhibiting clotting factors in the intrinsic pathway, and the aPTT is used to monitor heparin's anticoagulant effect. The normal range for aPTT is typically 25-35 seconds.
Choice C rationale:
An INR (International Normalized Ratio) of 1.1 is not the appropriate parameter to assess the effectiveness of heparin therapy. INR is primarily used to monitor the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants like warfarin, not heparin.
Choice D rationale:
The platelet count of 200,000/mm² is not a suitable parameter to evaluate the effectiveness of heparin therapy. Platelet count is important for assessing the risk of bleeding or clotting disorders but does not directly measure the impact of heparin on clotting factors.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should maintain the client in a semi-Fowler's position to promote comfort and reduce the risk of complications related to appendicitis. This position helps to decrease pressure on the abdomen and may alleviate pain by reducing tension on the abdominal muscles.
Choice B rationale:
Administering an enema 1 hour prior to surgery is not indicated for a client with appendicitis. Enemas are generally not recommended for clients with suspected or confirmed appendicitis as they can potentially worsen inflammation and cause perforation of the inflamed appendix.
Choice C rationale:
Applying a warm pack to the client's lower abdomen is contraindicated in appendicitis. Heat can exacerbate inflammation and should be avoided in such cases.
Choice D rationale:
Placing the client on a clear liquid diet is not appropriate for appendicitis. Clients with appendicitis are typically NPO (nothing by mouth) to avoid stimulating the gastrointestinal tract and reduce the risk of rupture if surgery is needed.
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