A nurse is caring for a client who is 1-day postoperative following spinal fusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Log roll the client every 2 hr.
Expect clear drainage on the spinal dressing.
Assist the client to sit upright in a chair for 4 hr at a time.
Elevate the client's legs when he is sitting in a chair.
The Correct Answer is A
A. This technique helps to prevent pressure ulcers and assists in maintaining proper spinal alignment, which is essential after such a surgery.
B. Clear drainage on the spinal dressing is not typically expected and could indicate an infection or other complication.
C. Assisting the client to sit upright in a chair for extended periods is not standard practices immediately following spinal fusion, as these actions may put undue stress on the spine during the critical initial healing phase.
D. Elevating the client's legs while sitting are not standard practices immediately following spinal fusion, as these actions may put undue stress on the spine during the critical initial healing phase
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Benzodiazepines are a class of medications commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. Mazepam is a benzodiazepine medication often prescribed for anxiety disorders and short-term relief of anxiety symptoms.
A. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever.
B. Morphine is an opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain.
C. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that is not classified as a benzodiazepine.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Petechiae, which are small red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin, are a classic manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. They typically appear on the upper chest, axilla (armpit), and conjunctiva of the eyes. Petechiae result from the occlusion of small blood vessels by fat globules, leading to microvascular bleeding.

A Paresthesia distal to the fracture site is not a typical manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. Instead, paresthesia may suggest nerve compression or injury related to the fracture itself rather than fat emboli.
B Fever is not a specific manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. While fever can occur with various types of infections or inflammatory conditions, it is not a hallmark symptom of fat embolism.
C Swelling of the calf can occur with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a potential complication of lower limb fractures. However, it is not a typical manifestation of fat embolism syndrome.
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