An older patient who had knee replacement surgery 2 days ago can only tolerate being out of bed with physical therapy once a day. Which problem should the nurse identify as a priority for this patient?

Suctioning secretions away from the suture line helps maintain the surgical site's cleanliness and promotes healing. It helps prevent accumulation of mucus or oral secretions that can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of infection. The nurse should use a gentle suctioning technique to avoid disrupting the surgical site.

Applying Neosporin to the surgical site is not typically recommended unless specifically prescribed by the healthcare provider. It is important to follow the provider's instructions regarding wound care.

Applying elbow immobilizers when not being held is not necessary for cleft lip surgery. Elbow immobilizers are usually used in other surgical procedures or for other reasons, such as preventing contractures.

Feeding increased amounts of formula to prevent weight loss is not an appropriate intervention for the first few days after cleft lip surgery. The surgical site may be sensitive, and the child may experience difficulty with feeding initially. The nurse should provide guidance and support for feeding techniques appropriate for the child, which may include using specialized bottles or positioning techniques.

After spinal fusion surgery, it is important to limit the patient's activity and movement to allow for proper healing and to prevent complications. The order to have the patient out of bed three times daily and ad lib (as desired) is not appropriate immediately after surgery.

The other orders listed are appropriate for the postoperative care of a patient who has undergone spinal fusion surgery:

• Assess neurological status every 4 hours: This is important to monitor for any changes in neurological function, which could indicate complications such as nerve damage or spinal cord compression.
• Logroll only to change position: Logrolling is a technique used to move patients with spinal fusion surgery while keeping their spine aligned and minimizing stress on the surgical site. This order is appropriate to ensure proper positioning and prevent injury to the surgical area.
• Monitor vital signs every 4 hours: Monitoring vital signs helps to assess the patient's overall condition and detect any signs of complications such as bleeding or infection.