The nurse assesses several postoperative clients receiving patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA). Which client does the nurse prioritize to assess first?
a. Client receiving bupivacaine (Marcaine) describing "inability to move legs"
b. Client receiving fentanyl (Sublimaze) de-scribing "itchy arms"
c. Client receiving hydromorphone (Dilau-did) describing "full feeling"
d. Client receiving morphine describing "difficulty staying awake"
A
Epidural analgesia can cause sensory and motor deficits. The inability to move the legs could mean that the client is receiving too high a dose of the drug or that damage has been done to the spinal cord. This requires immediate intervention. Itchy arms, a full feeling, and difficulty staying awake could be side effects of the medications, but they are not matters of priority.
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Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)
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