A practical nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who has just arrived on the surgical unit following a right total hip arthroplasty. Which actions should the nurse take to prevent client injury and clinical errors? (Select all that apply.)
- Place an abduction pillow between the client's lower extremities.Answer
- Verify the client's identity using two distinct identifiers before administering intravenous fluids.Answer
- Keep the client's bed in the lowest locked position with the call light within reach.Answer
- DElevate the head of the bed to a 90-degree angle to facilitate deep breathing exercises.
- EDelegate the initial postoperative assessment of the right pedal pulse to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
- FApply soft bilateral wrist restraints to prevent the client from pulling on the surgical dressing while groggy.
Answer
The correct actions are placing an abduction pillow between the legs, verifying identity with two identifiers, and keeping the bed in the lowest locked position with the call light in reach.
The correct actions demonstrate comprehensive injury and error prevention for a postoperative client. Maintaining the bed in the lowest locked position with the call bell in reach minimizes fall risk. Using an abduction pillow maintains proper hip alignment and prevents joint dislocation. Utilizing two distinct identifiers prior to initiating treatments or medications is a standard protocol to prevent clinical errors.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Postoperative Injury and Error Prevention