After stopping the bleeding into the joint, how long should a patient with hemarthrosis wait before bearing weight or doing range of motion?

The correct answer is 48 hours because allowing adequate time for the joint to stabilize after bleeding is crucial in managing hemarthrosis. After stopping the bleeding, giving the joint 48 hours of rest helps prevent further irritation or injury and promotes healing. During this time, the body can clear the residual blood from the joint space, and the risk of complications from early weight-bearing or movement is minimized.

Recognizing the importance of this waiting period is essential in avoiding further pain and joint damage, which can arise if the patient resumes normal activities too soon. If patients wait for 48 hours, they are typically more likely to experience a successful recovery with improved joint function when they eventually begin weight-bearing activities or range of motion exercises.