Abduction Pillow: Applying and Removing

Question 1

An abduction pillow is placed and secured between the patient’s legs to

a. prevent the patient from moving his/her legs into an abducted position, which can cause dislocation of the hip prosthesis
b. prevent the patient from moving his/her legs into an adducted or internally rotated position which can cause dislocation of the hip prosthesis
c. help the patient to flex his/her knees
d. prevent tension on the surgical incision site

Answer 1

b. prevent the patient from moving his/her legs into an adducted or internally rotated position which can cause dislocation of the hip prosthesis

Question 2

Dislocation of the prosthetic hip joint can

a. cause pain
b. interfere with normal functioning of the hip joint
c. result in further surgery to restore function
d. all the above

Answer 2

d. all the above

Question 3

A patient asks the nurse, “How long will I need to use this abduction pillow?” The nurse appropriately responds, “Most patients require use of the abduction pillow for

a. 6–12 hours.”
b. 6–12 days.”
c. 6–12 weeks.”
d. 6–12 months.”

Answer 3

c. 6–12 weeks.”

Question 4

Patients who have had previous hip surgery are at higher risk for dislocation and often require longer-term use of an abduction pillow.

a. True
b. False

Answer 4

a. True

Question 5

For proper placement of an abduction pillow the wider bottom edge should be aligned with the patient’s

a. heels of the foot
b. ankles
c. calf muscles
d. knees

Answer 5

b. ankles

Question 6

For proper placement of an abduction pillow the narrow top edge should be aligned with the patient’s

a. knees
b. hips
c. thighs, halfway up
d. calf muscles

Answer 6

c. thighs, halfway up

Question 7

A patient asks the nurse, “Do I need to use the abduction pillow when I lay down to take a nap in the afternoon or only when I am sleeping at night?” What is the appropriate response?

a. “Use of the abduction pillow during the day is optional, but it must be worn when you are sleeping at night.”
b. “The abduction pillow should be used only at night when you are sleeping for an extended period of time.”
c. “The abduction pillow should be placed anytime you are lying down.”
d. “The pillow is to be used for your comfort, so use it whenever you like.”

Answer 7

c. “The abduction pillow should be placed anytime you are lying down.”

Question 8

A patient’s caregiver asks the nurse, “I know that I can cause a decrease in blood flow to his feet if I pull the straps on the abduction pillow too tight. How can I determine if I have the straps tight enough?” The nurse appropriately responds,

a. “When properly secured there should be enough space under the straps for placement of one finger between the patient’s skin and the strap.”
b. “When properly secured there should be enough space under the straps for placement of two fingers between the patient’s skin and the strap.”
c. “When properly secured there should not be enough space under the straps for placement of a single finger between the patient’s skin and the strap.”
d. “If you are concerned about use of the strap, it is okay to leave the strap unfastened when the pillow is in place.”

Answer 8

a. “When properly secured there should be enough space under the straps for placement of one finger between the patient’s skin and the strap.”

Question 9

Removing the abduction pillow involves gently pulling the pillow from between the patient’s legs while the patient is in what position?

a. Prone
b. Supine
c. Sitting
d. Any position

Answer 9

b. Supine

Question 10

What must you keep in mind when caring for a patient who is disoriented and who is using an abduction pillow?

a. Abduction pillow straps should be pulled tighter than recommended to prevent leg movements leading to hip dislocation
b. Patients who are disoriented are at increased risk for hip dislocation and should wear an abduction pillow all the time regardless of their position
c. Patients who are disoriented are at increased risk for hip dislocation with pillow removal as they may not be able to follow directions and may adduct their legs
d. Patients who are disoriented are at increased risk for hip dislocation should be sedated to prevent them from removing the abduction pillow

Answer 10

c. Patients who are disoriented are at increased risk for hip dislocation with pillow removal as they may not be able to follow directions and may adduct their legs

Question 11

It is important for patients to change position to prevent pressure ulcer development. When repositioning a patient who is using an abduction pillow

a. place pillows behind the patient’s back to maintain his/her position when in a side-lying position
b. turn the patient to the operative side
c. turn the patient onto the unaffected side when both legs are strapped securely to the abduction pillow
d. a) and c)

Answer 11

d. a) place pillows behind the patient’s back to maintain his/her position when in a side-lying position and c) turn the patient onto the unaffected side when both legs are strapped securely to the abduction pillow

Question 12

The most common indications for hip joint arthroplasty include to

a. correct the deformity of the hip joint
b. restore range of motion and function to the hip joint after disease or injury
c. relieve pain due to arthritis
d. all of the above

Answer 12

d. all of the above

Question 13

The abduction pillow should be removed in all of the following situations except

a. during toileting
b. while bathing
c. while lying in bed reading
d. during physical therapy

Answer 13

c. while lying in bed reading

Question 14

The straps of the abduction pillow are too tight when the patient experiences

a. delayed capillary refill of the lower extremities
b. numbness in the hands
c. a rash on the skin in contact with the abduction pillow
d. pressure on the lower surfaces of the heel

Answer 14

a. delayed capillary refill of the lower extremities

Question 15

A nurse is performing preoperative education to explain use of the abduction pillow to a patient about to undergo hip surgery. She discovers that the patient does not speak English. The most appropriate action for the nurse to take is to

a. document in the patient’s medical record that she was unable to educate the patient about the abduction pillow
b. call the hospital’s certified interpreter to translate
c. wait for family members to arrive who can translate
d. provide written information with images in lieu of verbal instruction

Answer 15

b. call the hospital’s certified interpreter to translate