A nurse is caring for a client who is 3 days postoperative following a right total hip arthroplasty.

While transferring to a chair, the client cries out in pain. The nurse should assess the client for

which of the following manifestations of dislocation of the hip prosthesis?

Shortening of the right leg

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The nurse should monitor the client for shortening of the affected leg as an indication of

dislocation of the prosthesis. Other findings include increased hip pain, inability to move the

extremity, and rotation of the hip internally or externally.

A nurse is caring for a client who has a pelvic fracture. The client reports sudden shortness of

breath, stabbing chest pain, and feelings of doom. The nurse should identify that the client is

experiencing which of the following complications?

Pulmonary embolus

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Immobility following musculoskeletal trauma places the client at an increased risk for pulmonary

embolus. The client might also exhibit tachycardia, chest petechiae, and have a decreased SaO2.

The nurse should notify the rapid response team immediately.

A nurse is caring for a client who is in skeletal traction following a femur fracture. The nurse

finds the client has slid down toward the foot of the bed and the traction weight is resting on the

floor. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Have the client use a trapeze to pull himself up while ensuring the weight hangs freely.

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The nurse should ensure that traction weight is hanging freely. The client can use an overhead

trapeze bar to move up in bed, or the nurse can assist the client up, making sure to maintain

proper alignment of the extremity.

A nurse is providing preoperative teaching for a client who is scheduled for total knee

arthroplasty. Which of the following statements by the client should the nurse identify as

understanding of the teaching?

"I should wear elastic stockings on both of my legs."

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The purpose of elastic stockings is to prevent venous thromboembolism, which is a common

complication following orthopedic surgery. Therefore, the nurse should identify this statement as

understanding of the teaching.

A nurse is discussing the difference between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis with a

newly licensed nurse. Which of the following information should the nurse include about

osteoarthritis?

"Osteoarthritis can impair a joint on a single side of the body."

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The nurse should identify unilateral joint involvement as a finding of osteoarthritis. A client who

has RA experiences symmetrical joint impairment.

A nurse is assessing a client who is 24 hr postoperative following an above-the-elbow

amputation. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?