A client is 6 hours postoperative from hip surgery after receiving regional anesthesia and has epidural continuous anesthesia in place. Which is the most important reason for the nurse to contact the health care provider?

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Fondaparinux (Arixtra), unfractionated heparin, and low molecular weight heparin (eg, enoxaparin, dalteparin) are anticoagulants commonly used for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism prophylaxis after hip/knee replacement or abdominal surgery. However, fondaparinux is not administered until more than 6 hours after any surgery, and anticoagulants are not given while an epidural catheter is in place (Option B). Fondaparinux is associated with epidural hematoma. Any bleeding in the tight epidural space, which does not expand, could result in spinal cord compression. Signs of epidural spinal hematoma can include severe back pain and paralysis. (Option A) Paresthesia is an expected finding from postoperative analgesia for 2-24 hours after surgery, depending on the agent and location. Continuously administered analgesia usually results in some paresthesia until approximately 4-6 hours after discontinuance. As long as the level remains relatively stable or improves, it is an acceptable finding. However, paresthesia or motor weakness is a concern when the sensory or motor block outlasts the expected duration. (Option C) Client response to operative analgesia and postoperative continued analgesia can range from minimal to significant. As long as the analgesic is infusing and findings remain stable, reduced muscle strength is expected. (Option D) Major orthopedic surgery can result in significant blood loss, and it is not unusual for the client to have hemoglobin drop of 1-2 g/dL (10-20 g/L). Blood loss should be monitored over time; transfusion usually is not indicated unless hemoglobin is <7-8 g/dL (70-80 g/L). Educational objective: Residual paresthesia and motor weakness for several hours are expected findings after regional anesthesia. Anticoagulants are not given while an epidural catheter is in place.

A Client Is 6 Hours Postoperative from Hip Surgery After