A nurse is assisting the provider with a lumbar puncture for a client who has manifestations of meningitis.
Into which of the following positions should the nurse assist the client?

Choice A rationale:

Restlessness is a common indicator of unrelieved pain in a client. It suggests that the client is uncomfortable and experiencing discomfort, which could be due to inadequate pain relief. Restlessness may manifest as frequent shifting, fidgeting, and an inability to find a comfortable position. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it is a reliable indicator of unrelieved pain.

Choice B rationale:

Urinary retention is not typically associated with unrelieved pain in a client with a spinal epidural for a herniated disc. Urinary retention may result from the effects of the epidural anesthesia itself but is not a specific indicator of unrelieved pain. Therefore, choice B is not the correct answer.

Choice C rationale:

Constipation is not a direct indicator of unrelieved pain related to a spinal epidural. Constipation can occur for various reasons, including medications, decreased mobility, and dietary factors. While pain may contribute to constipation indirectly, it is not a reliable and specific sign of unrelieved pain in this context. Therefore, choice C is not the correct answer.

Choice D rationale:

Difficulty swallowing is not typically associated with unrelieved pain related to a spinal epidural. It may be related to other factors, such as muscle weakness or neurological issues, but it is not a specific indicator of unrelieved pain in this situation. Therefore, choice D is not the correct answer.

Choice A rationale:

Temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) A temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) is elevated, but it is not directly related to a heart rate of 44/min. Elevated temperature can be caused by various factors, such as infection, and would not be an expected finding solely due to the heart rate.

Choice B rationale:

History of cigarette smoking. A history of cigarette smoking may be a risk factor for certain cardiovascular conditions, but it does not directly explain a heart rate of 44/min. The heart rate can be influenced by factors such as medications, cardiac conditions, and autonomic nervous system activity.

Choice D rationale:

Hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause various symptoms, including shakiness, confusion, and sweating, but it is not the primary cause of a heart rate of 44/min. Hypoglycemia is more likely to cause symptoms related to altered mental status and autonomic nervous system activation.

Choice C rationale:

Patient reports they feel that they are going to pass out. A heart rate of 44/min is significantly lower than the normal range for adults, which is typically between 60-100 beats per minute. Such a low heart rate, known as bradycardia, can lead to decreased blood flow to vital organs, including the brain. Feeling like they are going to pass out is a concerning symptom associated with bradycardia because it suggests inadequate cardiac output and perfusion. This finding should prompt immediate assessment and intervention to address the underlying cause of the slow heart rate.