A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is receiving a spinal epidural to treat a herniated disc.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indicator of unrelieved pain?
Urinary retention
Constipation
Difficulty swallowing
Restlessness
The Correct Answer is D
Restlessness can be an indicator of unrelieved pain in a client who is receiving a spinal epidural to treat a herniated disc. Restlessness is often a manifestation of discomfort or agitation, which can be caused by inadequate pain management. When a client's pain is not adequately relieved, they may exhibit restlessness as they try to find a more comfortable position or seek relief from the discomfort.
Urinary retention (option A) is incorrect because it can be a side effect of certain medications used in pain management, such as opioids, but it is not a specific indicator of unrelieved pain. It is important to monitor for urinary retention as a potential complication of spinal epidural anaesthesia, but it is not directly related to pain relief.
Constipation (option B) is incorrect because it is another possible side effect of opioid medications, but it is not a specific indicator of unrelieved pain. It is important to address constipation as a potential adverse effect of pain management, but it is not a direct indicator of pain relief.
Difficulty swallowing (option C) is incorrect because it is not a common indicator of unrelieved pain in the context of a spinal epidural. It may be associated with other conditions or complications but is not specifically related to pain relief.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Provide the client with written information about advance directives: It is important for the nurse to educate the client about advance directives, their purpose, and how they can make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Instruct the client that an advance directive is a legal document and must be honored by care providers: The nurse should explain to the client that an advance directive is a legally binding document that guides healthcare decisions, and it must be respected and followed by healthcare providers.
Communicate advance directives status via the medical record and shift report: The nurse should ensure that the client's advance directives status is accurately documented in the medical record and communicated to other members of the healthcare team during shift handoffs. This helps ensure that the client's wishes are known and respected by all involved in their care.
Initiate a power of attorney for a healthcare document: The nurse can assist the client in initiating a power of attorney for a healthcare document if the client wishes to appoint someone as their healthcare proxy or agent. This document designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of the client if they become unable to do so.
The other options listed are not appropriate or accurate in relation to the responsibilities of the nurse regarding advance directives:
- Document that the provider discussed do-not-resuscitate status with the client: While discussing do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status may be part of the advance care planning process, it is not directly related to advance directives as a whole.
- Inform the client that an advance directive discontinues further care: This statement is incorrect and misleading. An advance directive does not automatically discontinue care but rather guides the provision of care according to the client's wishes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Disorientation is a common side effect of ECT and is typically temporary. It may include confusion and difficulty recalling recent events or personal information. This post-treatment disorientation is often referred to as the "postictal state" and usually resolves within a short period of time.
Sleep apnea, tonic-clonic seizures, and paresthesias are not expected findings following ECT and would require immediate attention and intervention if they were to occur. It is important for the nurse to closely monitor the client's vital signs, oxygen saturation levels, and neurological status after the procedure to ensure their safety and well-being.
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