Question

a nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following shoulder surgery. the client has a prescription to keep the affected arm adducted. which of the following instructions should the nurse provide the client?

\keep your arm bent at the elbow.\

\use a pillow to prop your shoulder up close to your ear.\

\hold your arm against the side of your body.\

\position your arm with the shoulder at a 90 - degree angle.\

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option based on the definition of arm adduction (moving the arm toward the midline of the body).

• "Keep your arm bent at the elbow" relates to elbow flexion, not adduction.
• "Use a pillow to prop your shoulder up close to your ear" describes abduction (moving away from the midline).
• "Hold your arm against the side of your body" aligns with adduction (moving the arm toward the body’s midline).
• "Position your arm with the shoulder at a 90 - degree angle" describes abduction or elevation, not adduction.

Answer:

C. "Hold your arm against the side of your body."