Which item in the plan of care for a client with paraplegia would the nurse question?

Which item in the plan of care for a client with paraplegia would the nurse question?

• A. Change the client's bed position hourly.
• B. Use supportive devices to maintain body alignment.
• C. Instruct the client to do active leg exercises.
• D. Perform passive leg exercises several times daily.

Answer: (C)

In paraplegia, the legs are paralyzed, so the person cannot actively move those muscles. Nursing care should focus on preserving joint mobility and preventing complications through passive range-of-motion and proper positioning. Having the client perform active leg exercises implies they can voluntarily move the legs, which is not possible for someone with paraplegia and could lead to frustration or injury. Therefore, this item would be questioned. The other practices fit with common goals: changing bed position hourly helps prevent pressure ulcers, using supportive devices maintains proper body alignment, and performing passive leg exercises several times daily helps maintain joint flexibility and prevent contractures when the patient cannot move the limbs actively.

In paraplegia, the legs are paralyzed, so the person cannot actively move those muscles. Nursing care should focus on preserving joint mobility and preventing complications through passive range-of-motion and proper positioning. Having the client perform active leg exercises implies they can voluntarily move the legs, which is not possible for someone with paraplegia and could lead to frustration or injury. Therefore, this item would be questioned.

The other practices fit with common goals: changing bed position hourly helps prevent pressure ulcers, using supportive devices maintains proper body alignment, and performing passive leg exercises several times daily helps maintain joint flexibility and prevent contractures when the patient cannot move the limbs actively.