You are initiating postoperative treatment for a 78-year-old woman who sustained an intertrochanteric fracture of the proximal femur 3 days ago and immediately underwent open reduction with internal fixation (screw-plate fixation).She has been referred to physical therapy for postoperative exercise and gait/functional training (initially with minimal weight bearing on the operated side).A decision has not yet been made about whether this patient will be discharged directly to home where she lives with her husband or to a subacute skilled nursing facility.Prior to discharge from the hospital during the next few days, which of the following is the lowest priority intervention?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Open-chain, resistance exercises for the operated lower extremity are the lowest priority as they can put additional stress on the healing fracture site and delay the healing process. The focus initially should be on gait training and transfer/bed mobility training as well as active-assistive range of motion (A-AROM) and progressing to active range of motion (AROM) of the operated hip. Closed-chain, resisted exercises for the upper extremities and sound lower extremity are also important for overall strength and function.

You Are Initiating Postoperative Treatment for a 78-Year-Old Woman Who