Question

A nurse is teaching an 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 cross their legs while sitting.
B) Avoid hip flexion beyond 90 degrees.
C) Limit walking to once a day for the first week.
D) Apply a heating pad to the surgical site.

Answer 1

A nurse should instruct an AP to apply a heat pack, not a heating pad, to the surgical site after hip arthroplasty. This is followed by prescribed exercises and icing as part of the physical therapy plan to reduce inflammation and facilitate healing.

Step-by-step explanation:

When providing care to a client following a total hip arthroplasty, it is important to include the instruction of applying a heat pack to the surgical site rather than a heating pad. This is part of the physical therapy plan and acts similarly to a warm-up, drawing blood to the area to enhance healing. Post-operative care also involves a series of exercises to aid in therapy at home. Following the exercise regimen, icing should be applied to decrease inflammation and swelling, which is critical for several weeks into the recovery.

It's crucial for the assisting personnel to understand the invasive nature of joint replacement surgeries like hip arthroplasty. The procedure replaces the articular surfaces of bones with artificial components, which are sometimes custom-made for a better fit and help to alleviate chronic pain and improve mobility. An appropriate physical therapy plan is fundamental for successful rehabilitation and regaining normal limb function.