Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 85%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Keep the client's legs abducted. This position helps maintain proper alignment of the hip joint, reducing the risk of hip dislocation post-arthroplasty. Abduction prevents internal rotation, which is a common cause of prosthesis dislocation. Placing the client in a prone position (B) can increase the risk of dislocation. Early ambulation without support (C) is beneficial for recovery but does not specifically prevent dislocation. Allowing the client to sit in a low chair (D) may also increase the risk of dislocation due to improper positioning.