A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is 24 hours postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Answer is: d. Reposition the client.

Explanation: Repositioning the client can help alleviate pain by redistributing pressure and promoting comfort. Since the client's pain level is relatively low (2 on a scale of 0 to 10), this non-pharmacological intervention is an appropriate initial action.

Choice a. is wrong because maintaining the client on bed rest is not an appropriate action for a pain level of 2. Instead, the nurse should encourage the client to mobilize and perform appropriate exercises to prevent complications related to immobility.

Choice b. is wrong because applying a warm, moist compress to the incision area might not be the best action for a client who is 24 hours postoperative, as it could increase the risk of infection and cause discomfort. Cold compresses are often used in the initial postoperative period to reduce swelling and promote comfort.

Choice c. is wrong because administering an additional dose of pain medication is not necessary at this point, as the client's pain level is relatively low. The nurse should consider non-pharmacological interventions first and reassess the client's pain level to determine the need for further pain relief.

The correct answer is Choice D.

Choice A rationale: Closing the door to the client’s room would help to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas. However, this should not be the nurse’s first action. The nurse’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the client. Therefore, removing the client from the room should be the first action taken.

Choice B rationale: Obtaining a fire extinguisher is an important step in responding to a fire. However, it should not be the first action taken by the nurse. The nurse’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the client. Therefore, removing the client from the room should be the first action taken.

Choice C rationale: Pulling the fire alarm panel is an important step in alerting others in the facility about the fire. However, it should not be the first action taken by the nurse. The nurse’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the client. Therefore, removing the client from the room should be the first action taken.

Choice D rationale: The nurse’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the client. If there is a fire in the client’s room, the nurse should first remove the client from the room to ensure their safety. Once the client is safe, the nurse can then take further actions to respond to the fire, such as pulling the fire alarm panel, closing the door to the room, and obtaining a fire extinguisher.