The nurse is assessing a client in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit who received an epidural block for left knee surgery 4-hours ago. For each assessment finding related to epidural anesthesia, click to specify if the finding is appropriate or inappropriate for the nurse to immediately report to the healthcare provider. (Select All That Apply)
Total urine output 45 mL curing past 3 hours
Nausea and vomiting
Clear fluid leaking from insertion site
Severe headache
Left knee pain 3 out of 10
The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B"}}
Total urine output 45 mL during past 3 hours: Appropriate
Rationale: Epidural anesthesia can affect bladder function, leading to reduced urine output. A total urine output of 45 mL in 3 hours is low and should be reported as it might indicate urinary retention or decreased kidney function.
Nausea and vomiting: Inappropriate
Rationale: Nausea and vomiting are not typically a direct concern related to epidural anesthesia unless they are severe or persistent. These symptoms are more commonly associated with general anesthesia or postoperative complications, but they are not immediate concerns specific to epidural block.
Clear fluid leaking from insertion site: Appropriate
Rationale: Clear fluid leaking from the epidural insertion site could indicate cerebrospinal fluid leakage or other complications. This should be reported immediately to assess for potential complications such as an epidural hematoma or infection.
Severe headache: Appropriate
Rationale: A severe headache following an epidural block could be a sign of a post-dural puncture headache, which is a known complication of epidural anesthesia. It should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Left knee pain 3 out of 10: Inappropriate
Rationale: Pain at a level of 3 out of 10 is relatively mild and may be expected following surgery. While it is important to monitor and manage pain, this level of pain is not usually an immediate concern related to the epidural anesthesia unless other symptoms are present.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride: This is a hypotonic solution, which is not appropriate for a client with normal serum osmolality (290 mOsm/kg). It may cause fluid shifts that are not desirable in this context.
B. 10% dextrose in water: This hypertonic solution is generally used for providing calories rather than correcting fluid imbalance and is not suitable for initial rehydration in this scenario.
C. 5% dextrose in water: This solution is isotonic in the bag but becomes hypotonic in the body. It is not the best choice for rehydrating a client with normal serum osmolality and significant fluid loss.
D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride: This isotonic solution is appropriate for rehydration in a client with normal serum osmolality. It helps restore extracellular fluid volume without causing fluid shifts, making it ideal for this situation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A 58-year-old client who uses antacids every day: Antacids primarily affect gastric acid levels and are not typically associated with respiratory acidosis. They might affect metabolic balance but not respiratory acidosis.
B. A 48-year-old client with an anxiety disorder: Anxiety disorders are more commonly associated with respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation, not respiratory acidosis.
C. A 68-year-old client with chronic lung disease: This is the correct choice because chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), often impair CO2 elimination, leading to respiratory acidosis due to CO2 retention.
D. A 28-year-old client with salicylate intoxication: Salicylate intoxication is often associated with metabolic acidosis, and initially, it can cause respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation, rather than respiratory acidosis.
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