After a total right hip replacement, what is the priority nursing action for a 76-year-old woman with osteoporosis?

In the context of post-operative care for a 76-year-old woman with osteoporosis following a total right hip replacement, managing pain is the priority nursing action. Pain management is critical for several reasons. Adequate pain control is essential for patient comfort and well-being and plays a significant role in facilitating other aspects of recovery, such as mobility and rehabilitation. If a patient experiences significant pain, they may be hesitant to move or participate in physical therapy, hindering their recovery process and increasing the risk of complications, such as blood clots or pressure ulcers.

For older adults, particularly those with osteoporosis, pain management takes on added importance due to the potential for increased sensitivity and slower recovery rates. Effective pain management can promote quicker healing and enhance the overall recovery experience, enabling the patient to engage in necessary activities like ambulation, wound care, and nutritional intake.

Other actions, such as caring for the surgical wound, promoting nutrition, and ambulating, are certainly important components of postoperative care but are secondary to the immediate need for effective pain management. If pain is not adequately addressed, it may affect the patient’s ability to perform these other tasks safely and effectively.