Question

total hip arthroplasty. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

a) “ use raised toilet seat to maintain your hips above the knees”

b) “ twist at the waist when standing from a seated position”

c) “move your stronger leg first when using a walker”

d) “ apply a heating pad to the operative hip to decrease pain”

Answer 1

Answer Option A. use raised toilet seat to maintain your hips above the knees

Option A is correct as the nurse should suggest using a raised toilet is to keep your hip after the hip replacement surgery to maintain your hips above the knees when in sitting position for evacuating the bowels which is one of the important precautions to be taken to vaoid strain and dislocation of the hips. You should use the raised seat for almost 6 weeks after the surgery giving time for the muscles to heal and replacement to get settled for normal functioning

Option B is incorrect as twisting your waist above 90 degrees is contraindicated and can have risk of hip dislocation

Option C is incorrect as after hip replacement naturally the unaffected leg is used to walk with a walker and not the stronger leg

Option D is incorrect as ice pad is used to decrease pain after the hip inflammation and associated pain and not heat pad