A nurse is caring for a child who is postoperative following ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement.

In which of the following positions should the nurse place the client?

Contact the provider to clarify the dosage and frequency of medication administration.
The nurse should always verify the dosage and frequency of medication administration with the provider before administering any medication to ensure the safety and well-being of the infant.
Choice A is not an answer because the nurse should verify the dosage and frequency with the provider before administering any medication.
Choice B is not an answer because the nurse should verify the dosage and frequency with the provider before administering any medication.
Choice C is not an answer because waiting and monitoring the infant’s symptoms does not address the need to verify the dosage and frequency of medication administration with the provider.

a.Log rolling is an appropriate technique to reposition a postoperative scoliosis repair patient as it minimizes stress on the spine and helps maintain spinal alignment. Patients need frequent repositioning to prevent pressure ulcers and promote comfort, but every 4 hours may not be frequent enough; typically, every 2 hours is recommended.

b.Protective isolation is not typically required for patients undergoing scoliosis surgery unless they have specific risk factors for infection (e.g., immunocompromised status). Standard postoperative care focuses on monitoring for infection at the surgical site rather than isolation unless indicated by the patient's condition.

c.While it’s important to elevate the head of the bed to assist with breathing and comfort, after scoliosis surgery, the head of the bed is generally elevated to 30-45° to facilitate lung expansion and reduce the risk of aspiration. However, it should be ensured that this angle does not compromise spinal alignment, especially in the early postoperative period.

d.The use of a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump is an appropriate intervention for pain management after scoliosis surgery. It allows the patient to self-administer pain medication within prescribed limits, leading to more effective pain management, improved patient satisfaction, and potentially reduced need for supplemental analgesics.