The nurse supervises the care of postoperative clients in the postanesthesia care unit. Which client position is the safest?

Question

1. Left lateral for the client after a liver biopsy
2. Low-Fowler's for the client after a bronchoscopy
3. Supine and head on one pillow after spinal anesthesia
4. Semi-Fowler's for a client after cervical spine surgery

Answer 1

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4. The client in semi-Fowler's position is in the safest position after cervical spine surgery because it allows for full chest expansion and permits an unobstructed view of chest movements. Cervical spine surgery usually causes postoperative regional edema, so the client's nurse assesses the client frequently for a patent airway.
1. The nurse positions a client after a liver biopsy on the right side to apply pressure to the biopsy site.
2. The nurse positions a client after a bronchoscopy in semi-Fowler's position or a more upright position as needed to facilitate chest expansion.
3. The nurse keeps the client after spinal anesthesia in the supine position without a pillow to help prevent postspinal headaches.