A nurse is caring for a patient immediately following a total hip arthroplasty. Which action should the nurse prioritize to prevent dislocation?

The correct answer to the question "A nurse is caring for a patient immediately following a total hip arthroplasty. Which action should the nurse prioritize to prevent dislocation?" is Option A: Ensuring the abduction pillow is in place..

The other options — B) Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises., C) Administering pain medication as prescribed., D) Assisting with early ambulation using a walker. — are incorrect for this NCLEX-RN Exam Prep question. As explained above: Maintaining hip abduction, often with an abduction pillow, prevents adduction and internal rotation, which are movements that can cause dislocation of the newly replaced hip joint.