A practical nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is 1 day postoperative following a right total knee arthroplasty. The client reports discomfort in the right leg and asks the nurse to place a pillow directly under their right knee for support. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
- Elevate the right leg by placing a pillow under the lower calf and ankle, keeping the knee straight.Cevap
- BPlace a soft pillow directly under the client's right knee as requested to provide immediate comfort.
- CPlace a rolled towel under the right thigh and a small pillow under the knee to maintain joint flexion.
- DKeep the entire right leg flat on the mattress without any pillows to prevent dependent edema.
Cevap
Elevate the operative leg by placing a pillow under the lower calf and ankle, ensuring the knee itself remains unsupported and fully extended.
Following a total knee arthroplasty, it is critical to maintain the operative knee in full extension during periods of rest to prevent a flexion contracture. Elevating the leg by placing a pillow under the lower calf and ankle allows for venous return and reduction of postoperative edema while ensuring the knee joint remains straight, properly aligned, and unsupported.
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Anahtar Kavram
Postoperative Positioning and Contracture Prevention