Question

A nurse is teaching an assistive personnel (AP) about providing care to a client following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

a. 'Encourage the client to perform hip flexion exercises independently.'

b. 'Keep the affected hip in a flexed position.'

c. 'Assist the client to a standing position every 2 hours.'

d. 'Apply a heating pad to the affected hip to relieve pain.'

Answer 1

The nurse should encourage the client to perform hip flexion exercises independently.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include the instruction to encourage the client to perform hip flexion exercises independently to the assistive personnel (AP) regarding care for a client following a total hip arthroplasty. These exercises help maintain joint mobility and strengthen the hip muscles. Option B, 'Keep the affected hip in a flexed position,' is not recommended as it can lead to contractures and hinder healing. Option C, 'Assist the client to a standing position every 2 hours,' is important for preventing complications but is not specific to the client's hip care. Option D, 'Apply a heating pad to the affected hip to relieve pain,' is not recommended as heat can increase swelling and discomfort.