EAQ Set #3

The nurse is caring for a client 4 hours after the client's hip replacement surgery. What should the nurse do when assisting the client out of bed? Incorrect1 Tell the client that both legs must have equal weight bearing. Correct2 Advise the client that the legs must continually be kept wide apart. 3 Sit the client in a straight-back chair so that the hips are kept flexed. 4 Transfer the client using a mechanical lift, because weight bearing on the leg is not allowed.

Abduction keeps the prosthesis firmly in place; adduction of the extremity may cause the prosthesis to dislocate. Only partial weight bearing on the affected leg is indicated initially. Sitting flexes the hips to 90 degrees; this is contraindicated initially, because it can cause the prosthesis to dislocate. Full weight bearing on the unaffected leg and partial weight bearing on the affected leg generally are permitted on the second or third postoperative day.