Out of the following, which comfort device prevents the external rotation of the hips of a bedridden patient?

AIIMS Manglagiri NO - 2019

Fundamental of Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Manglagiri NO - 2019

Explanation

Trochanter rolls are specifically designed to counteract the natural tendency of the legs to rotate outwards (external rotation) when a patient is lying on their back.
They are typically made from rolled towels or bath blankets and are placed along the outer aspect of the patient's hips and thighs.
This positioning provides support to the greater trochanter of the femur, maintaining the hip and leg in a neutral alignment.
Proper alignment helps prevent the development of hip contractures and musculoskeletal strain in immobile patients.

Option B: A hand roll is placed in the palm of the hand to maintain a functional position of the fingers and thumb, not to position the hips.
Option C: This is a misleading option. A 'trapeze bar' is an overhead device that patients use with their arms to lift their upper body and assist with movement. It has no function in preventing hip rotation.
Option D: While sandbags can be used for immobilization and positioning, they are not the primary or most appropriate device for preventing hip rotation. They are heavy and can create excessive pressure, increasing the risk of skin breakdown.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Use of comfort and positioning devices for bedridden patients to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Proper positioning is a fundamental nursing intervention to prevent complications of immobility, such as pressure injuries, nerve damage, and musculoskeletal contractures.
Failure to prevent external hip rotation can lead to long-term gait problems and discomfort for the patient once they become mobile again.
What if? If the patient had recent total hip replacement surgery, the primary device used would be an abduction pillow placed between the legs. This prevents adduction (legs crossing midline) and rotation, which could dislocate the new joint. A trochanter roll might be used as an adjunct but the abduction pillow is key.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question to identify the specific goal: preventing 'external rotation of the hips'.
Next, consider the name and function of each device listed in the options.
The term 'trochanter roll' directly relates to the greater trochanter, a bony prominence on the femur (thigh bone) at the hip joint. This is a strong clue.
Evaluate the other options. A 'hand roll' is for the hand. A 'trapeze' is an overhead bar for lifting. 'Sandbags' are for general immobilization.
By matching the specific anatomical location and action (hip rotation) from the question to the device specifically named for that area (trochanter roll), you can identify the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Use of comfort and positioning devices for bedridden patients
Stem keywords: comfort device, prevents external rotation, hips, bedridden patient
Lead-in keywords: which
Negative lead-in flag: false

QTW58WFRMbTpftR0nndyVE

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor pp. 328-330, 206-208