The nurse caring for a client who had spinal anesthesia will ensure that the plan of care includes
A) administering oxygen to reduce the hypoxia produced by spinal anesthesia.
B) elevating the client's feet to increase the blood pressure.
C) elevating the head of the bed to decrease nausea.
D) instructing the client to remain flat in bed for 6 hours.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

One complication of spinal anesthesia is loss of cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions the brain. Clients can complain of severe headaches should this occur. Therefore the client is instructed to lie flat for 6 to 8 hours. Other interventions designed to replace fluids and indirectly replace lost spinal fluid include methods to increase fluid intake.

The Nurse Caring for a Client Who Had Spinal Anesthesia