What position should a client be maintained in for the first 24 hours after hip arthroplasty?

After hip arthroplasty, it is essential to maintain the client in a supine position for the first 24 hours to promote proper healing and to prevent any complications. The supine position allows for optimal alignment of the hip joint, minimizes the risk of dislocation, and provides stability.

Maintaining the client in a supine position also facilitates effective monitoring of vital signs and nursing assessments, as the healthcare team can easily observe the surgical site and assess for any signs of complications. Additionally, this position promotes venous return and helps prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Using other positions, such as prone, sitting, or side-lying, could place undue stress on the hip joint and potentially lead to dislocation or other complications. The supine position thus remains the best approach for the initial postoperative period following hip surgery.