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Question

Difficulty: MediumErgonomics and Safe Use of Equipment

An older adult client is one day postoperative following a right total hip arthroplasty. The provider has prescribed out-of-bed activity to a stationary chair. Which action by the practical nurse is most appropriate when managing this transfer?

  1. Positioning the chair on the client's unaffected left side and assisting them to pivot on the left leg using a transfer beltAnswer
  2. B
    Accepting an assignment to conduct the initial clinical assessment of the client's transfer readiness and weight-bearing status
  3. C
    Adjusting the seating equipment so the client's hips are flexed at a 110-degree angle to provide deeper back support
  4. D
    Applying a soft wrist restraint to prevent the client from pulling at their intravenous line while seated in the chair

Answer

Positioning the chair on the client's unaffected left side and assisting them to pivot on the left leg using a transfer belt.
When transferring a client with a unilateral surgical site or weakness, the receiving equipment (chair or wheelchair) must be placed on the client's strong or unaffected side. This ergonomic positioning allows the client to pivot safely on their stable leg while the nurse uses a transfer belt to maintain proper body mechanics. This technique minimizes physical strain on the nurse and prevents accidental weight-bearing on the operative joint.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's postoperative status and mobility constraints.
The client has a right total hip arthroplasty, meaning the right leg is the operative side and the left leg is the strong, unaffected side.
Identifying the operative side dictates the direction of the transfer to ensure safety and protect the surgical joint.
2
Apply ergonomic principles and safe equipment management for the transfer.
The stationary chair must be placed on the client's left side.
Transferring toward the strong side allows the client to bear weight and pivot safely on the unaffected leg while the nurse uses a transfer belt to maintain a stable center of gravity.
3
Evaluate alternative actions for safety and scope of practice violations.
Conducting the initial assessment, flexing the hip past 90 degrees, and applying restraints are identified as unsafe or inappropriate actions.
The nurse must operate within their defined scope, adhere to specific postoperative joint precautions, and utilize restraint alternatives to maintain a safe care environment.

Key Concept

Ergonomics and Safe Use of Equipment: Patient Transfer Techniques
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Ergonomics and Safe Use of Equipment

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