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:

A wound infection is the most likely diagnosis for a client who has redness, warmth, swelling, and purulent drainage at the incision site 24 hours after an appendectomy. These are signs of inflammation and infection that indicate the wound is not healing properly. A wound infection can delay wound healing, increase pain, and cause fever and systemic symptoms. A wound infection requires treatment with antibiotics and wound care.

Choice B reason:

A wound dehiscence is a partial or complete separation of the edges of a surgical incision. It usually occurs later than 24 hours after surgery, when the wound is still fragile and weak. A wound dehiscence can be caused by stress on the wound, such as coughing, vomiting, or straining, or by poor wound closure, infection, or malnutrition. A wound dehiscence may present with increased drainage, a visible gap in the incision, or a popping sensation. A wound dehiscence requires immediate medical attention and may need surgical repair.

Choice C reason:

A wound evisceration is a rare but serious complication of a wound dehiscence, where the abdominal organs protrude through the open incision. It is a surgical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent organ damage, infection, and shock. A wound evisceration may present with sudden pain, a gush of blood or serous fluid, and visible organs through the wound. The client should lie down with knees bent and cover the wound with a sterile dressing moistened with warm saline until help arrives.

Choice D reason:

A wound hematoma is a collection of blood under the skin or in the deeper tissues that results from bleeding at the surgical site. It usually occurs within the first few hours after surgery and may cause swelling, pain, bruising, and pressure on nearby structures. A wound hematoma can increase the risk of infection and impair wound healing. A small hematoma may resolve on its own, while a large hematoma may need drainage or surgery.

A. Covering the wound with sterile gauze moistened with normal saline. B. Placing the patient in low Fowler's position with knees bent. C. Calling for assistance and notifying the surgeon. D. Applying pressure to the wound edges.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Covering the wound with sterile gauze moistened with normal saline is a correct nursing intervention for wound evisceration, but it is not the priority action. The priority is to get immediate help and inform the surgeon of the situation.

Choice B reason:

Placing the patient in low Fowler's position with knees bent is another correct nursing intervention for wound evisceration, as it reduces tension on the abdominal muscles and prevents further protrusion of the bowel. However, it is not the priority action either.

Choice C reason:

Calling for assistance and notifying the surgeon is the priority nursing intervention for wound evisceration, as this is a surgical emergency that requires prompt intervention to prevent complications such as infection, necrosis, or shock. The nurse should also monitor the patient's vital signs and prepare for possible surgery.

Choice D reason:

Applying pressure to the wound edges is an incorrect nursing intervention for wound evisceration, as it can cause further damage to the bowel and increase the risk of infection. The nurse should avoid touching or manipulating the wound or the bowel.

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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

A nurse is assessing a client who had an appendectomy 24 hours ago. The nurse observes redness, warmth, swelling, and purulent drainage at the incision site. The nurse suspects that the client has developed:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient who underwent surgery for appendicitis and has developed wound dehiscence with evisceration on postoperative day 3. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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