Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumBasic Care and Comfort

A practical nurse is caring for a client who is 48 hours post-operative following a right above-the-knee amputation. To promote comfort and prevent hip flexion contractures, which position should the nurse encourage the client to assume for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day?

  1. The prone position with the head turned to the sideAnswer
  2. B
    The supine position with the right residual limb elevated on two pillows
  3. C
    The high-Fowler's position with the unaffected knee flexed
  4. D
    The prolonged sitting position in a bedside chair

Answer

The prone position with the head turned to the side
Placing the client in the prone position for short periods (20 to 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times daily) physically extends the hip joint. This is an essential basic care measure for preventing hip flexion contractures following an above-the-knee amputation, which ensures the client will be able to properly use a prosthesis during rehabilitation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the client's post-operative timeline and surgical procedure.
The client is 48 hours post-above-the-knee amputation.
Nursing care protocols for amputations change significantly after the first 24 hours, specifically regarding limb elevation.
2
Determine the primary complication associated with immobility for this specific surgery.
The highest musculoskeletal risk is the development of a hip flexion contracture.
Contractures limit range of motion and can severely impede or prevent successful prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation.
3
Select the nursing intervention that directly counteracts this risk.
Positioning the client prone.
The prone position fully extends the hip joint, actively preventing the muscles and ligaments from contracting into a flexed position.

Key Concept

Preventing joint contractures through therapeutic positioning
Rate this question

Topics

Basic Care and Comfort

More questions from this topic