The nurse is assessing a client in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit who received an epidural block for left knee surgery 4-hours ago. For each assessment finding related to epidural anesthesia, click to specify if the finding is appropriate or inappropriate for the nurse to immediately report to the healthcare provider. (Select All That Apply)

Total urine output 45 mL curing past 3 hours

Nausea and vomiting

Clear fluid leaking from insertion site

Severe headache

Left knee pain 3 out of 10

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}

Total urine output 45 mL during past 3 hours: Appropriate
Rationale: Epidural anesthesia can affect bladder function, leading to reduced urine output. A total urine output of 45 mL in 3 hours is low and should be reported as it might indicate urinary retention or decreased kidney function.
Nausea and vomiting: Inappropriate
Rationale: Nausea and vomiting are not typically a direct concern related to epidural anesthesia unless they are severe or persistent. These symptoms are more commonly associated with general anesthesia or postoperative complications, but they are not immediate concerns specific to epidural block.
Clear fluid leaking from insertion site: Appropriate
Rationale: Clear fluid leaking from the epidural insertion site could indicate cerebrospinal fluid leakage or other complications. This should be reported immediately to assess for potential complications such as an epidural hematoma or infection.
Severe headache: Appropriate
Rationale: A severe headache following an epidural block could be a sign of a post-dural puncture headache, which is a known complication of epidural anesthesia. It should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Left knee pain 3 out of 10: Inappropriate
Rationale: Pain at a level of 3 out of 10 is relatively mild and may be expected following surgery. While it is important to monitor and manage pain, this level of pain is not usually an immediate concern related to the epidural anesthesia unless other symptoms are present.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Provide adequate and regular pain medication: Effective pain management is crucial for postoperative clients to perform deep breathing, coughing, and ambulation comfortably and effectively. Pain relief enables better participation in these activities.
B. Teach the client pursed-lip breathing: While pursed-lip breathing is beneficial for some respiratory conditions, it is less directly related to promoting postoperative activities compared to pain management.
C. Encourage continued bedrest and ensure quality sleep: Encouraging bedrest may hinder postoperative recovery; instead, ambulation and movement are important for recovery.
D. Use an incentive spirometer to motivate the client: Although an incentive spirometer helps with deep breathing, it is less effective without proper pain management to support these activities.

A. Serum glucose of 118 mg/dL B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 16 mg/dL C. Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L D. Serum potassium of 3.9 mEq/L

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Serum glucose of 118 mg/dL: This value is slightly above the normal range but not critically elevated; it does not typically require immediate notification to the surgeon.
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 16 mg/dL: This BUN level is within the normal range and does not suggest an immediate concern for surgical risk.
C. Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L: A serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to serious complications including neurological symptoms and should be addressed prior to surgery.
D. Serum potassium of 3.9 mEq/L: This level is within the normal range and does not require immediate action related to surgery.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

To promote effective coughing, deep breathing, and ambulation in the postoperative client, what nursing action is most important?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is reviewing serum laboratory values for a client who is scheduled for surgery tomorrow. Which value requires the nurse to promptly notify the surgeon?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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