What complication should a nurse consider in a client who just had a total hip replacement and is experiencing restlessness?

In the context of a client who has just undergone a total hip replacement and is experiencing restlessness, hypovolemic shock is a significant complication to consider. Following this type of surgery, there is a risk of blood loss, either during the procedure or post-operatively, which can lead to a decrease in circulating blood volume. This drop in blood volume can result in inadequate perfusion of vital organs, causing symptoms such as restlessness, increased heart rate, and low blood pressure.

Restlessness in this scenario could indicate that the body is not receiving the oxygen it needs due to insufficient blood volume, prompting the client to become anxious or agitated. Recognizing these signs is crucial for a nurse, as swift intervention may be necessary to stabilize the client, such as fluid resuscitation or monitoring for other signs of shock.

Other complications listed, while they may have relevance in different contexts, are less directly associated with the immediate post-operative state of a total hip replacement and would not typically present primarily with restlessness following surgery. This highlights the importance of assessing hemodynamic stability and the potential for complications immediately after surgical procedures.