The nurse is caring for a client who has undergone repair of a fractured hip. What will be an important nursing action?
1. Keeping the client flat in bed until adequate healing has occurred
2. Maintaining the client in Buck's traction with leg adducted
3. Getting the client up in a chair, non-weight bearing the day after surgery
4. Keeping the client's leg slightly bent at the knee to prevent internal rotation
Answer: 3
Providing the client is stable, early mobilization is encouraged. This is frequently the day after surgery. When the hip is pinned (internal fixation), early mobility is possible. The client may be maintained in Buck's traction before the hip repair, not after the repair. Keeping the client flat is unnecessary; she should be turned while in bed. The affected leg should be maintained straight and in an abducted position to prevent adduction and internal rotation.
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