Question

"A 76-year-old woman, with a history of osteoporosis is 24-hours postoperative for a total right hip replacement. What is the priority nursing action for this client?"

Answer 1

Answer: Every postoperative patient's priority is pain management.

Explanation: In this particular case there are other priority's involved:

1. Use of compression devices to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Thromboembolism, to which Orthopaedic Surgery patients are susceptible to.

2. Position changes to prevent pressure ulcers, especially in this case in which it is an old woman, with a physical limitation to move herself.