A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following total hip arthroplasty.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis?
Keep an abduction pillow between the client's legs.
Elevate the client's affected leg on a pillow when in bed.
Position the client's knees slightly higher than the hips when up in a chair.
Raise the head of the client's bed to a high-Fowler's position.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Keeping an abduction pillow between the client's legs is a preventive measure to avoid dislocation of the hip prosthesis. This positioning helps maintain the correct alignment of the hip joint, reducing the risk of dislocation. Abduction pillows are commonly used postoperatively after total hip arthroplasty to support proper hip positioning while the patient is in bed.
Choice B rationale:
Elevating the client's affected leg on a pillow when in bed is not recommended after total hip arthroplasty. This position could lead to hip adduction, increasing the risk of prosthesis dislocation. Maintaining abduction (spreading the legs apart) is the key to preventing dislocation, and elevation should be avoided to maintain proper alignment.
Choice C rationale:
Positioning the client's knees slightly higher than the hips when up in a chair is not an appropriate preventive measure for prosthesis dislocation. Proper alignment is crucial, and the client should avoid sitting in low chairs or on low surfaces that could cause the hips to be lower than the knees, potentially leading to dislocation.
Choice D rationale:
Raising the head of the client's bed to a high-Fowler's position is unrelated to preventing prosthesis dislocation. Fowler's position refers to elevating the head of the bed to assist with breathing and facilitate patient comfort. While this position might be suitable for certain respiratory conditions, it has no direct impact on the stability of a hip prosthesis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
An angiocatheter is not appropriate for accessing an implanted venous access port. Angiocatheters are large-bore catheters designed for rapid fluid administration and are typically used for peripheral venous access. They are not suitable for accessing the small, specialized ports used for central venous access.
Choice B rationale:
A 25-gauge needle is too small for accessing an implanted venous access port. While smaller gauge needles are suitable for delicate procedures and patients with fragile veins, they might not provide adequate flow for certain therapies or blood draws. Accessing a port with a needle that is too small can lead to increased pressure, potentially damaging the port or causing discomfort to the patient.
Choice C rationale:
A butterfly needle is also not the best choice for accessing an implanted venous access port. Butterfly needles, also known as winged infusion sets, are commonly used for short-term peripheral venous access. They are not designed for accessing implanted ports, which require a noncoring needle for precise and safe access without damaging the port membrane.
Choice D rationale:
(Correct Choice) A noncoring needle, also known as a Huber needle, is the correct choice for accessing an implanted venous access port. Noncoring needles have a specially designed tip that creates a smaller puncture hole, reducing damage to the port membrane and minimizing patient discomfort. They are specifically designed for accessing ports and are the standard choice for this procedure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Preparing to assist with intubation is the appropriate action for a nurse caring for a child with suspected epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is a medical emergency where the airway can become severely compromised due to inflammation of the epiglottis. Intubation ensures a secure airway, allowing the child to breathe and preventing respiratory distress.
Choice B rationale:
Preparing a cool mist tent is not the priority in suspected epiglottitis. While humidified air can provide comfort for respiratory distress, it does not address the potential for airway obstruction. Intubation takes precedence in this critical situation.
Choice C rationale:
Suctioning the child's oropharynx may worsen the condition in suspected epiglottitis. Suctioning can stimulate the epiglottis, triggering a spasm and further obstructing the airway. Intubation is the primary intervention to secure the airway safely.
Choice D rationale:
Obtaining a throat culture is not the immediate action in suspected epiglottitis. While a throat culture may confirm the diagnosis, the priority is securing the airway to prevent respiratory distress and hypoxia.
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.
