A nurse is caring for a patient following knee surgery that was performed under a spinal anesthetic. What intervention should the nurse implement to prevent a spinal headache?
A) Have the patient sit in a chair and perform deep breathing exercises.
B) Ambulate the patient as early as possible.
C) Limit the patient's fluid intake for the first 24 hours postoperatively.
D) Keep the patient positioned supine.
Ans: D
Feedback:
Measures that increase cerebrospinal pressure are helpful in relieving headache. These include maintaining a quiet environment, keeping the patient lying flat, and keeping the patient well hydrated. Having the patient sit or stand up decreases cerebrospinal pressure and would not relieve a spinal headache. Limiting fluids is incorrect because it also decreases cerebrospinal pressure and would not relieve a spinal headache.
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