A client had a total knee replacement earlier in the day and has a continuous femoral nerve blockade (CFNB). When entering the room to assess the client, the nurse notes that the television volume is quite loud
The client explains that it is hard to hear with "all the ringing in my ears." What action by the nurse takes priority? a. Perform a neurovascular assessment on the operative extremity.
b. Call another nurse to notify the anesthesi-ologist immediately.
c. Take a full set of vital signs and disconti-nue the CFNB.
d. Pad the siderails and instituting other sei-zure precautions.
B
CFNB can enter the systemic circulation, causing tinnitus, nervousness, slurred speech, brady-cardia, hypotension, bradypnea, and seizures. Because the client is exhibiting signs the CFNB has entered his or her circulation, the client is at risk for seizures and critical alterations in vital signs. The nurse should stay with the client and should continue to assess him or her while another nurse notifies the surgeon or the anesthesiologist.
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