The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a patient after undergoing a total hip replacement. Which of the following patient statements indicates a need for additional instruction?

Explanation

• After a total hip replacement, the patient should not stay in the same position for more than 1 hour. Frequent standing, stretching, and movement is encouraged

• Keeping a pillow between the legs will promote abduction of the hips

• Hips should not be flexed greater than 90 degrees, such as in low squatting

• Patients should not ride in a car until they can safely get in and out of a car. Also, narcotic pain medication prescribed post-operatively is an absolute contraindication to driving

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