A nurse working in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) is caring for a post-operative client that just had pelvic surgery. The nurse anticipates assessing for what post-operative complaint related to spinal anesthesia?

Weakness in upper extremities

Headache

Increased respiratory rate

Blurred vision

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Weakness in upper extremities: Spinal anesthesia generally affects the lower body, so weakness in the upper extremities is not typically related to this type of anesthesia.
B. Headache: This is the correct choice. A headache is a common post-operative complaint related to spinal anesthesia, often caused by a spinal fluid leak, leading to a post-dural puncture headache.
C. Increased respiratory rate: Spinal anesthesia typically does not affect respiratory rate significantly; it mainly impacts sensation and motor function below the level of anesthesia.
D. Blurred vision: This is not a common issue directly related to spinal anesthesia. Visual disturbances are not typical post-operative complaints associated with spinal anesthesia.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Respiratory acidosis without compensation: The pH of 7.22 indicates acidosis, but the HCO3 level of 23 mEq/L suggests that compensation is occurring because the HCO3 is within the normal range for respiratory acidosis.
B. Metabolic acidosis with full compensation: The high PaCO2 level is more indicative of respiratory issues, not metabolic acidosis. Additionally, compensation for metabolic acidosis would show elevated HCO3.
C. Respiratory acidosis with partial compensation: The elevated PaCO2 and low pH indicate respiratory acidosis. The normal HCO3 level suggests partial compensation by the kidneys.
D. Metabolic acidosis without compensation: The elevated PaCO2 and normal HCO3 suggest respiratory acidosis rather than metabolic acidosis.

A. Absence of the client's gag reflex B. The client has a respiratory rate of eight (8) C. Loss of sensation at the 5th lumbar space D. The blood pressure is within 20% of the client's baseline

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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.

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A nurse working in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) is caring for a post-operative client that just had pelvic surgery. The nurse anticipates assessing for what post-operative complaint related to spinal anesthesia?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An unresponsive client was brought to the emergency room and had an arterial blood gas drawn. Ten minutes later, the laboratory calls with the following results: PaO2 74%, pH 7.22, PaCO2 85 mm Hg, and HCO3 23 mEq/L. The nurse interprets the results as indicating which imbalance?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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