A client is on strict bed rest following hip surgery. What nursing int

A client is on strict bed rest following hip surgery. What nursing intervention would support vascular health?

1. Place pillows under the unaffected knee for support.
2. Position the bed to flex the knees at least 20 degrees.
3. Have the client alternately flex and extend the feet several times a day.
4. Keep the client in a prone position for at least 20 minutes twice a day.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Placing pillows under the knees supports the development of clotting.
Rationale 2: Positioning the bed so that the knees are in more than 15 degrees of flexion supports the development of clotting.
Rationale 3: Alternating flexion and extension of the feet will help keep clots from forming in the extremities. Active contraction and relaxation of the calf muscles is also used for this purpose.
Rationale 4: The client would not be placed in the prone (on abdomen) position.