A client is recovering in the surgical unit on the first postoperative day following a left total knee arthroplasty. The client reports mild leg discomfort and requests an adjustment to their resting position in bed. Which intervention should the nurse implement to promote comfort and prevent postoperative complications?
- Place a small, rolled towel under the client's left ankle to maintain joint extension.Cevap
- BPosition a soft pillow directly underneath the left knee to relieve joint tension.
- CAssign the nursing assistant to initiate passive range-of-motion exercises on the surgical limb.
- DReassure the family that the client's sudden postoperative confusion is an expected physiological change of aging.
Cevap
The correct action is to place a small, rolled towel under the client's left ankle to maintain joint extension.
Placing a rolled towel or small pillow under the ankle allows the knee to rest in full extension without applying pressure to the heel. This position promotes venous return, prevents heel tissue breakdown, and critically prevents the development of a knee flexion contracture, which is a major complication that would severely impair the client's ability to bear weight and walk during rehabilitation.
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Anahtar Kavram
Correct postoperative positioning following a total knee arthroplasty requires maintaining the knee in full extension to prevent severe joint contractures.