VATI Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Exam 2026 - Free Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Questions and Study Guide

The appropriate nursing action for a client 24 hours postoperative from a total hip arthroplasty is to maintain abduction of the affected extremity. This position is critical because maintaining abduction helps to prevent dislocation of the hip prosthesis, which is a significant risk in the early postoperative period. Abduction can be achieved by using pillows or abduction wedges to support the leg and keep it in the proper position.

Following a total hip arthroplasty, the hip joint is particularly vulnerable as it starts healing, and maintaining abduction reduces stress on the surgical site and ensures stability of the implanted prosthetic components. Nurses play a crucial role in educating the patient about the importance of this positioning and may also monitor for signs of dislocation or complications related to improper positioning.

While mobility is important for recovery, it should be within specific guidelines and restrictions set by the surgical team to prevent dislocation. Keeping the affected leg in adduction or positioning the patient on the unaffected side could inadvertently risk dislocation or apply inappropriate pressure on the surgical site. Thus, promoting abduction aligns with standard postoperative care to enhance safety and facilitate healing.