Following laminectomy with a spinal fusion to treat a herniated disc, a patient reports numbness and tingling of the right lower leg. The first action that the nurse should take is to
a. report the patient's complaint to the surgeon.
b. check the chart for preoperative assessment data.
c. check the vital signs for indications of hemorrhage.
d. turn the patient to the side to relieve pressure on the right leg.
ANS: B
The postoperative movement and sensation of the extremities should be unchanged (or improved) from the preoperative assessment. If the numbness and tingling are new, this information should be immediately reported to the surgeon. Numbness and tingling are not symptoms associated with hemorrhage at the site. Turning the patient will not relieve the numbness.
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