A patient has had hip replacement surgery. What is the nurse's best plan to address this patient's ambulation needs?
1. Keep both bed rails up at all times so the patient will not attempt ambulation without assistance.
2. Teach the patient how to use a walker.
3. Have the patient practice log-rolling to the side of the bed before getting up.
4. Have the patient use a wheelchair until the hip is completely healed.
2
Rationale 1: Keeping both bed rails up can be construed as enforcing a restrictive environment and is not the best option.
Rationale 2: A walker provides stable support to prevent falling injuries. The ability to bear weight on the surgical leg varies, based on the type of surgery performed, but a walker gives a more stable base than a cane or crutch assistive device.
Rationale 3: The patient should not log-roll as this may cause hip dislocation.
Rationale 4: The patient will start walking very early in recovery. A wheelchair is needed only if the patient must travel long distances.
You might also like to view...
A client who recently has been started on enteral feedings begins to complain of abdominal cramping and has two liquid stools. A nurse notes that the client also has abdominal distention
The nurse reviews the nutritional content on the label of the can of feeding to determine if it has which of the following ingredients? A) Lactose B) Sucrose C) Fructose D) Maltose
The nurse is teaching a patient how to manage medication-related diarrhea. What does the nurse include in the instructions? (Select all that apply.)
a. Encourage adequate fluid intake. b. Use laxatives liberally. c. Assess for fever and tarry stools. d. Eat a high-fiber diet. e. Take small, frequent feedings. f. Maintain a bland diet. g. Increase milk products. h. Increase intake of caffeinated beverages.
A nurse identifies outcomes of care for the hospitalized, postoperative client primarily to:
A) document nursing practice. B) evaluate nursing interventions. C) focus on health promotion. D) provide individualized care.
Charting in which the nurse writes a progress note that relates to one health problem is a:
A) PIE note B) Flow sheet C) Narrative note D) SOAP note