A patient has had a surgical resection of an acoustic neuroma. The nurse would prioritize which postoperative assessment?

Question

1. Timing how long it takes for tinnitus to return
2. Measuring urine output hourly
3. Determining the degree of hearing loss
4. Identifying damage to cranial nerves VII, IX, X, and XII

Answer 1

4
Rationale 1: Acoustic neuromas cause tinnitus. It is not expected to return after surgery.
Rationale 2: Decreased urine output is not an expected effect of this surgery. Hourly outputs may be ordered because the patient is being given intravenous fluids, but this measurement is not the highest priority.
Rationale 3: Acoustic neuromas usually are diagnosed when the patient experiences gradual hearing loss. Hearing loss would not continue to progress.
Rationale 4: Surgical resection of acoustic neuromas can cause damage to cranial nerves in proximity to the tumor. Damage to cranial nerves VII, IX, X, and XII is possible. Therefore, a thorough cranial nerve assessment is important, both preoperatively and postoperatively.