Durham College Consolidation Practice Exam

Recognize signs of a possible hip dislocation after a hip replacement and respond with urgent medical assessment. If a patient who just had a hip arthroplasty reports pain and the leg appears shorter with the foot rotated inward, this pattern strongly suggests dislocation of the prosthesis. That situation is an emergency: delaying evaluation can lead to nerve or blood vessel injury, avascular necrosis, and worse outcomes. The appropriate action is to involve the physician immediately to evaluate for dislocation, obtain imaging, and determine the need for reduction in an appropriate setting. Discharging the patient at this moment would be unsafe. While awaiting care, continue to minimize movement and follow orders for immobilization and neurovascular checks, but the central priority is arranging timely medical management and keeping the patient in a setting where reduction or further treatment can be performed.