The nurse caring for a client who had a shoulder arthroplasty yesterday will include in the postoperative care provisions for
A) assessing the ability to grasp the nurse's hand.
B) avoiding lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds.
C) limiting flexion and extension of the elbow.
D) positioning the arm below the shoulder.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A possible complication after shoulder arthroplasty is postoperative brachial plexus compromise. Assessments of the median, radial, ulnar, cutaneous, and axillary nerve status are contained in the Critical Monitoring box. Having the client squeeze the nurse's hand assesses the median nerve.

The Nurse Caring for a Client Who Had a Shoulder