Joint Replacements med surg
The nurse is preparing the preoperative client for a total hip replacement (THR). Which
intervention should the nursing implement postoperatively?
1. Keep an abduction pillow in place between the legs at all times. 2. Cough and deep breathe at
least every four (4) to five (5) hours. 3. Turn to both sides every two (2) hours to prevent pressure
ulcers. 4. Sit in a high-seated chair for a flexion of less than 90 degrees. - Answer- 4. Using a high-
seated toilet and chair will help prevent dislocation by limiting the flexion to less than 90 degrees.
The client one (1) day postoperative total hip replacement complains of hearing a "popping sound"
when turning. Which assessment data should the nurse report immediately to the surgeon?
1. Dark red-purple discoloration.
2. Equal length of lower extremities.
3. Groin pain in the affected leg.
4. Edema at the incision site. - Answer- 3. Groin pain or increasing discomfort in the affected leg
and the "popping sound" indicate the leg has dislocated, which should be reported immediately to
the HCP for a possible closed reduction.
The nurse is discharging a client who had a total hip replacement. Which statement indicates
further teaching is needed?
1. "I should not cross my legs because my hip may come out of the socket."
2. "I will call my HCP if I have a sudden increase in pain."
3. "I will sit on a chair with arms and a firm seat."
4. "After three (3) weeks, I don't have to worry about infection." - Answer- 4. Infections are possible
months after surgery. Clients should monitor temperatures and report any signs of infection.
The nurse finds small, fluid-filled lesions on the margins of the client's surgical dressing. Which
statement is the most appropriate scientific rationale for this occurrence?
1. These were caused by the cautery unit in the operating room.
2. These are papular wheals from herpes zoster.
3. These are blisters from the tape used to anchor the dressing.
4. These macular lesions are from a latex allergy. - Answer- 3. Fluid-filled blisters are from a
reaction to the tape and usually occur along the margins of the dressing where the tape was
applied.
Which interventions should be included in the discharge teaching for a client who had a total hip
replacement? Select all that apply.
1. Discuss the client's weight-bearing limits.
2. Request the client demonstrate use of assistive devices.
3. Explain the importance of increasing activity gradually.
4. Instruct the client not to take medication prior to ambulating.
5. Tell the client to ambulate with open-toed house shoes. - Answer- 1. Clients need to understand
the amount of weight bearing to prevent injury.
2. Teaching the safe use of assistive devices is necessary prior to discharge.
3. Increases in activity should occur slowly to prevent complications.
The nurse is caring for the client who has had a total hip replacement. Which data indicate the
surgical treatment is effective?
The nurse is preparing the preoperative client for a total hip replacement (THR). Which
intervention should the nursing implement postoperatively?
1. Keep an abduction pillow in place between the legs at all times. 2. Cough and deep breathe at
least every four (4) to five (5) hours. 3. Turn to both sides every two (2) hours to prevent pressure
ulcers. 4. Sit in a high-seated chair for a flexion of less than 90 degrees. - Answer- 4. Using a high-
seated toilet and chair will help prevent dislocation by limiting the flexion to less than 90 degrees.
The client one (1) day postoperative total hip replacement complains of hearing a "popping sound"
when turning. Which assessment data should the nurse report immediately to the surgeon?
1. Dark red-purple discoloration.
2. Equal length of lower extremities.
3. Groin pain in the affected leg.
4. Edema at the incision site. - Answer- 3. Groin pain or increasing discomfort in the affected leg
and the "popping sound" indicate the leg has dislocated, which should be reported immediately to
the HCP for a possible closed reduction.
The nurse is discharging a client who had a total hip replacement. Which statement indicates
further teaching is needed?
1. "I should not cross my legs because my hip may come out of the socket."
2. "I will call my HCP if I have a sudden increase in pain."
3. "I will sit on a chair with arms and a firm seat."
4. "After three (3) weeks, I don't have to worry about infection." - Answer- 4. Infections are possible
months after surgery. Clients should monitor temperatures and report any signs of infection.
The nurse finds small, fluid-filled lesions on the margins of the client's surgical dressing. Which
statement is the most appropriate scientific rationale for this occurrence?
1. These were caused by the cautery unit in the operating room.
2. These are papular wheals from herpes zoster.
3. These are blisters from the tape used to anchor the dressing.
4. These macular lesions are from a latex allergy. - Answer- 3. Fluid-filled blisters are from a
reaction to the tape and usually occur along the margins of the dressing where the tape was
applied.
Which interventions should be included in the discharge teaching for a client who had a total hip
replacement? Select all that apply.
1. Discuss the client's weight-bearing limits.
2. Request the client demonstrate use of assistive devices.
3. Explain the importance of increasing activity gradually.
4. Instruct the client not to take medication prior to ambulating.
5. Tell the client to ambulate with open-toed house shoes. - Answer- 1. Clients need to understand
the amount of weight bearing to prevent injury.
2. Teaching the safe use of assistive devices is necessary prior to discharge.
3. Increases in activity should occur slowly to prevent complications.
The nurse is caring for the client who has had a total hip replacement. Which data indicate the
surgical treatment is effective?
