The nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hours postoperative total hip replacement. Which nursing intervention is appropriate to help prevent dislocation of the hip prosthesis?

Question

The nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hours postoperative total hip replacement.  Which nursing intervention is appropriate to help prevent dislocation of the hip prosthesis?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_ca0d_1bb4_b433_9d7d88d8d400_MD0009_00 Maintaining the affected extremity in alignment and avoiding adduction and hip flexion are crucial in the initial postoperative period following a total hip replacement to prevent the prosthesis from becoming displaced or dislocated. Placing an abductor wedge pillow between the legs or placing 2-3 pillows between the knees when turning the client from side to side prevents adduction of the operative extremity and reduces the potential for hip prosthesis dislocation. (Option A) The client is instructed not to cross the legs at the ankles or knees to avoid adduction across the midline. (Option B) The head of the bed should be maintained at ≤60 degrees to prevent excessive hip flexion (>90 degrees). (Option D) The client should not sleep or be turned or positioned on the operative side unless directed by the health care provider. When turning is necessary, the operative hip must be kept in abduction; pillows or a trochanter roll should support the entire length of the leg. Educational objective: Interventions to help prevent dislocation of a hip prosthesis following total hip replacement surgery include positioning the client supine with the head of the bed elevated ≤60 degrees, with the affected extremity in a neutral position; placing an abductor pillow wedge between the legs when turning the client to the unaffected side; and instructing the client to avoid crossing the legs.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Is 12