PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

What is the priority nursing intervention for a client who has just undergone a total knee arthroplasty?

1. Encourage deep breathing exercises.

2. Monitor the surgical site for signs of infection.

3. Maintain proper alignment of the affected leg.

4. Administer prescribed analgesics as needed.

The correct answer is: Maintain proper alignment of the affected leg.

After a total knee arthroplasty, maintaining proper alignment of the affected leg is crucial for several reasons. Proper alignment helps prevent complications such as dislocation of the knee joint or complications with the surgical site. Ensuring that the leg is correctly aligned also promotes optimal healing and function, making it an essential intervention in the immediate postoperative period. By focusing on alignment, the nurse contributes to the overall success of the surgery and facilitates rehabilitation efforts. Adequate alignment also aids in managing pain and discomfort, which can subsequently enhance the patient's mobility and the ability to engage in physical therapy. While deep breathing exercises, monitoring for infection, and administering analgesics are all important nursing interventions, they serve different priorities based on the immediate healing needs. Ensuring proper leg alignment specifically addresses the foundational stability of the surgical site, which is critical in the early stages following the procedure.