A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

The correct answer is b. Inform the assistive personnel of the client’s weight-bearing status.

Choice A: Assess the client’s incision every 8 hours for the first 48 hours. While it is important to monitor the incision site for signs of infection, the frequency of every 8 hours for the first 48 hours may not be necessary unless specified by the surgeon or the patient’s condition warrants it.

Choice B: Inform the assistive personnel of the client’s weight-bearing status. This is the correct answer. After a total hip arthroplasty, it’s crucial to communicate the client’s weight-bearing status to all members of the healthcare team, including assistive personnel. This helps ensure that everyone is aware of the client’s mobility limitations and can assist the client safely.

Choice C: Instruct the client to cross their legs at the ankles when sitting in a chair. This is not recommended. After a hip arthroplasty, patients are typically advised not to cross their legs to prevent dislocation of the new hip joint.

Choice D: Teach the client’s partner to assist the client to flex the hip at least 120° each hour. This is not recommended. After a hip arthroplasty, patients are typically advised to avoid flexing the hip more than 90 degrees to prevent dislocation of the new hip joint1. Therefore, flexing the hip at least 120° each hour could potentially harm the patient.

Choice A rationale:

A nurse cannot provide basic treatment information to the client's employer without the client's explicit consent. This information falls under the client's confidentiality rights and cannot be shared without proper authorization.

Choice B rationale:

While a nurse can inform the client about the risks and benefits of electroconvulsive therapy, this statement does not encompass the entirety of the client's rights. Clients have the right to be informed about the risks and benefits of all treatments, not just electroconvulsive therapy.

Choice C rationale:

Clients on a mental health unit who are admitted voluntarily have the right to leave against medical advice, as long as they are deemed capable of making that decision. Voluntary admission does not negate a client's autonomy to make decisions about their own care.

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer. Clients on a mental health unit have the right to refuse their medication, as long as they are deemed competent to make that decision. This is an important aspect of respecting a client's autonomy and informed consent, even in a mental health setting. However, if a client's refusal poses a serious risk to their health or the health of others, healthcare providers may need to take appropriate actions while respecting legal and ethical standards.