A nurse is assessing a client on the first post-operative day after a L3-4 laminectomy and diskectomy. The client now complains of numbness and tingling in the left leg. What is the nurse's first priority?
Compare these findings with preoperative assessment findings.
Document the finding and continue to monitor status.
Draw blood for serum calcium.
Tell the client that this is a normal finding and should go away with time.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The first priority is to assess whether the numbness and tingling in the left leg are new or a preexisting symptom. This helps identify if there are complications like nerve injury or issues with the surgical site.
B. While documenting the findings is important, it’s more critical to compare these new symptoms with preoperative findings to identify potential complications.
C. Drawing blood for serum calcium is not directly relevant to the immediate issue of nerve symptoms after a laminectomy.
D. Telling the client that the symptoms are normal could lead to delayed intervention if there is a more serious issue, like nerve damage or surgical complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Cold, pale feet are not a typical side effect of colchicine.
B. Diarrhea is a well-known side effect of colchicine, commonly used to treat acute gout flares. The nurse should monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms.
C. Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) is not associated with colchicine.
D. Rash is not a common side effect of colchicine but can occur. The nurse should primarily monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. An adductor pillow helps maintain proper alignment and prevents the hip from crossing the midline (adduction).
B. Limiting hip flexion to 90 degrees prevents dislocation by avoiding positions that could stress the hip joint.
C. A fracture pan is not a necessary precaution for a total hip replacement; it is more relevant for clients with fractures.
D. Adduction should be avoided to prevent the hip from dislocating.
E. Internal rotation can cause the hip to dislocate, so it should be avoided.
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