Which assessment data indicate the postoperative client who had spinal anesthesia is suffering a complication of the anesthesia?

Absence of the client's gag reflex

The client has a respiratory rate of eight (8)

Loss of sensation at the 5th lumbar space

The blood pressure is within 20% of the client's baseline

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Absence of the client's gag reflex: This finding is not typically related to spinal anesthesia complications. The gag reflex is more pertinent to general anesthesia and its effects on the brainstem.
B. The client has a respiratory rate of eight (8): This is the correct choice. A low respiratory rate (bradypnea) could indicate significant complications from spinal anesthesia, such as respiratory depression, especially if the anesthesia affects the muscles involved in respiration.
C. Loss of sensation at the 5th lumbar space: This could be a normal effect of spinal anesthesia if the level of anesthesia was intended to cover this area, but it does not necessarily indicate a complication.
D. The blood pressure is within 20% of the client's baseline: A slight change in blood pressure within this range is generally not considered a severe complication of spinal anesthesia. Significant hypotension or instability would be more concerning.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. A 47-year-old client who reports two loose stools with a serum sodium of 139 mmol/L: Although diarrhea can lead to electrolyte imbalances, a serum sodium level of 139 mmol/L is within normal range, so this client is not the highest priority.
B. A 71-year-old client with a calcium level of 8.9 mg/dL and a negative Trousseau sign: A calcium level of 8.9 mg/dL is slightly low but not critically low, especially with a negative Trousseau sign. This client is stable compared to others.
C. A 52-year-old client with fluid volume excess and BUN of 18 mg/dL: A BUN of 18 mg/dL indicates mild elevation, and fluid volume excess can be managed with adjustments in treatment; this client does not require immediate priority.
D. A 60-year-old client with a serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L and heart palpitations: A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can cause serious cardiac issues and symptoms like palpitations. This client requires urgent attention to address the potential risk of cardiac complications.

A. The 22-year-old client who does not understand English B. The 17-year-old client who has two fractured wrists C. The 65-year-old client who cannot read or write D. The 80-year-old client who is not oriented to the day

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. The 22-year-old client who does not understand English: This client can still consent legally if provided with a translator or interpreter to ensure understanding.
B. The 17-year-old client who has two fractured wrists: This client is a minor and would typically need a legal guardian to consent, but their ability to consent is not the primary issue here.
C. The 65-year-old client who cannot read or write: Literacy issues do not necessarily preclude the ability to understand and consent, especially if the consent process is explained to them.
D. The 80-year-old client who is not oriented to the day: This client lacks orientation and thus may not be able to fully understand or make an informed decision about the surgery, affecting their ability to consent legally.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Which assessment data indicate the postoperative client who had spinal anesthesia is suffering a complication of the anesthesia?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse working on a medical surgical unit is assigned four clients at the start of their shift. What client should be given the highest priority?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is asked to witness surgical consent forms were obtained for clients, in the preoperative holding area. What client would not be able to consent legally to surgery?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

After having an intravenous (IV) line in place for 72 hours, a client complains of tenderness, burning, and swelling. Assessment of the IV site reveals a cord-like vein and a reddened streak. The nurse identifies that these findings indicate what complication?

The nurse is educating a client on the use of oral ferrous sulfate. Which statement made by the client requires a need for further education?

A nurse is caring for a client receiving continuous enteral feedings via a gastrostomy tube. Which nursing intervention is most important to help prevent aspiration?

A nurse asks the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to assist in determining the fluid status of a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse delegate to the UAP? (Select All That Apply)

Which client response best supports the decision to discharge the client from the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit?

A client with dry skin and mucous membranes is weak, has orthostatic blood pressure changes, and has decreased urine output. The serum osmolality is 290 mOsm/kg. What IV fluid should the nurse anticipate being prescribed for this client?

The nurse is taking a medication history of a client scheduled for surgery the next morning. Which medication requires the nurse to immediately notify the surgeon?

A client has a serum calcium level of 12.8 mg/dL. Which medication will likely be prescribed for this client?