Question

a client who had a hip replacement 2 days ago is reluctant to move for fear of experiencing pain. the client has received pain medication regularly and reports pain is a \3\ on a 1 to 10 scale. which nursing action encourages activity?

tell client that family cannot visit until the client performs activity.
contact the health care provider.
require client to ambulate before next meal.
sit with client to provide emotional support while client uses trapeze.

Explanation:

Analyze the client's clinical situation

The client is 2 days postoperative following a hip replacement. They are reluctant to move due to fear of pain, despite their pain being well-controlled at a "3" on a 1-to-10 scale. The goal is to identify the nursing action that best encourages activity while respecting the client's psychological and physical state.

Evaluate the options

• Option 1 ("Tell client that family cannot visit..."): This is coercive, punitive, and violates ethical principles of patient care. It damages the therapeutic relationship.
• Option 2 ("Contact the health care provider"): The client's pain is already well-controlled (3/10), so there is no immediate medical issue or uncontrolled pain requiring provider intervention.
• Option 3 ("Require client to ambulate before next meal"): Demanding or forcing compliance does not address the client's underlying fear of pain and can increase anxiety.
• Option 4 ("Sit with client to provide emotional support..."): This action directly addresses the client's fear. By offering presence and emotional support during a manageable activity (using the overhead trapeze), the nurse helps build confidence, reduces anxiety, and promotes gradual self-care. This aligns with Therapeutic Communication and Client Self-Care Promotion.

Answer:

• (A) Tell client that family cannot visit until the client performs activity.
• (B) Contact the health care provider.
• (C) Require client to ambulate before next meal.
• (D) Sit with client to provide emotional support while client uses trapeze. (Correct answer)