A client with osteoarthritis in the left knee has had a total knee replacement. What is important to include in the postoperative nursing care plan?
1. Use constant passive motion (CPM) to promote joint flexibility.
2. Wrap the knee in a loose fitting absorbent bandage to promote flexibility.
3. Maintain bed rest for 2 days to maintain extension and immobilization of leg.
4. Insert a urinary retention catheter since client is on total bed rest for 2 days.
Answer: 1
Constant passive motion is utilized early to maintain joint flexibility. A compression dressing is used immediately after surgery. The client is ambulated as early as possible. A urinary retention catheter is not used with bed rest unless it is absolutely necessary and the client cannot void on his own. (Ignatavicius, Workman, 7 ed., pp. 329-330.)
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