The nurse is caring for a client who had spinal anesthesia for surgery on his right foot. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse?

The client reports numbness in his right leg.

The client has a blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg.

The client complains of a headache when sitting up.

The client has difficulty voiding after surgery.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:

The client reports numbness in his right leg. This is not a cause for immediate intervention by the nurse, because numbness is an expected effect of spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia blocks the nerve impulses from the lower extremities, lower abdomen, pelvic, and perineal regions, resulting in loss of sensation and movement.

Choice B reason:

The client has a blood pressure of 90/60 mm Hg. This is not a cause for immediate intervention by the nurse, because mild hypotension is a common side effect of spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia causes vasodilation and decreases the sympathetic tone, leading to reduced blood pressure. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs and fluid status, and administer vasopressors if needed.

Choice C reason:

The client complains of a headache when sitting up. This is a cause for immediate intervention by the nurse, because it may indicate a post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) PDPH is a complication of spinal anesthesia that occurs when the dura mater is punctured by the needle, causing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to leak and create a pressure gradient between the intracranial and spinal compartments. The nurse should assess the client's pain level, position the client flat or with a slight head elevation, administer analgesics and fluids, and notify the anesthesiologist.

Choice D reason:

The client has difficulty voiding after surgery. This is not a cause for immediate intervention by the nurse, because urinary retention is a common problem after spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia affects the bladder function by inhibiting the micturition reflex and impairing the sensation of bladder fullness. The nurse should monitor the client's urine output, bladder distension, and fluid intake, and assist with catheterization if needed.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Fat embolism is a possible complication of ORIF of a fractured hip. A fat embolism occurs when fat droplets from the bone marrow enter the bloodstream and block small blood vessels in the lungs, brain, or other organs. This can cause serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, seizures, or coma. Fat embolism syndrome is more common with fractures of long bones such as the femur.

Choice B reason:

Pulmonary edema is not a likely complication of ORIF of a fractured hip. Pulmonary edema is a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Pulmonary edema can be caused by heart failure, kidney failure, lung infections, or high altitude. It is not directly related to bone fractures or surgery.

Choice C reason:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a possible complication of ORIF of a fractured hip. DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. DVT can cause pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in the affected area. DVT can also break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening emergency. DVT is more likely to occur after surgery or prolonged immobility.

Choice D reason:

Myocardial infarction (MI) is not a likely complication of ORIF of a fractured hip. MI is a heart attack that occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle is interrupted, causing damage or death of the heart tissue. MI can be caused by coronary artery disease, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply the heart. MI can also be triggered by stress, physical exertion, or other factors. MI is not directly related to bone fractures or surgery. A) Fat embolism B) Pulmonary edema C) Deep vein thrombosis D) Myocardial infarction

A. Wearing tight-fitting clothing or jewelry on the affected arm. B. Elevating the affected arm above the level of the heart. C. Applying moisturizer or sunscreen to the affected arm. D. Having blood pressure or blood draws on the affected arm. E. Performing range-of-motion exercises on the affected arm.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Wearing tight-fitting clothing or jewelry on the affected arm is not recommended, but it is not something to avoid completely. Tight-fitting clothing or jewelry can cause swelling (lymphedema) or infection in the arm, but wearing them for short periods of time may be acceptable. The client should be advised to wear loose-fitting clothing and jewelry most of the time and to monitor the arm for any signs of swelling, pain, or redness.

Choice B reason:

Elevating the affected arm above the level of the heart is not something to avoid, but rather something to do frequently. Elevating the arm can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow. The client should be instructed to elevate the arm several times a day for 15 to 30 minutes at a time.

Choice C reason:

Applying moisturizer or sunscreen to the affected arm is not something to avoid, but rather something to do regularly. Moisturizer can help prevent dryness and cracking of the skin, which can increase the risk of infection. Sunscreen can help protect the skin from sun damage, which can also increase the risk of infection and skin cancer. The client should be advised to apply moisturizer daily and sunscreen whenever exposed to the sun.

Choice D reason:

Having blood pressure or blood draws on the affected arm is something to avoid. This is because these procedures can cause injury or infection to the arm, which can lead to lymphedema or other complications. The client should be instructed to inform all health care providers that they had a mastectomy with lymph node dissection and to request that blood pressure or blood draws be done on the other arm or on another part of the body.

Choice E reason:

Performing range-of-motion exercises on the affected arm is not something to avoid, but rather something to do gradually and carefully. Range-of-motion exercises can help restore mobility and flexibility to the arm and prevent stiffness and contractures. The client should be instructed to start doing gentle exercises as soon as possible after surgery and to increase the intensity and duration as tolerated. The client may be referred to a physical therapist for additional guidance and support.

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The nurse is caring for a client who had spinal anesthesia for surgery on his right foot. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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