Which is a priority outcome goal for a client who has received local anesthesia related to treatment of a musculoskeletal injury?

Question

1. The client will describe the postoperative course of recovery prior to discharge.
2. The client will maintain adequate nutrition to promote wound healing.
3. The client will have a return of gag reflex prior to ingesting food or fluids.
4. The client will verbalize the need to refrain from activity that could cause injury due to paresthesia.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Verbalization of postoperative course of recovery is not a priority outcome goal related to administration of local anesthesia.
Rationale 2: Nutrition for wound healing is always important, but is not the priority goal in this situation.
Rationale 3: Return of gag reflex would be associated with general anesthesia or with local anesthesia of viscous lidocaine for gastrointestinal procedures. Return of gag reflex is not associated as an assessment for local anesthesia for a musculoskeletal injury.
Rationale 4: Local anesthesia results in paresthesia of varying lengths. The paresthesia places the client at risk for injury of the tissues with diminished sensation. Preventing this injury is a priority goal.
Global Rationale: Local anesthesia results in paresthesia of varying lengths. The paresthesia places the client at risk for injury of the tissues with diminished sensation. Preventing this injury is a priority goal. Verbalization of postoperative course of recovery is not a priority outcome goal related to administration of local anesthesia. Nutrition for wound healing is always important, but is not the priority goal in this situation. Return of gag reflex would be associated with general anesthesia or with local anesthesia of viscous lidocaine for gastrointestinal procedures. Return of gag reflex is not associated as an assessment for local anesthesia for a musculoskeletal injury.