A nurse is caring for a patient in the immediate postoperative period after surgery in which a spinal anesthetic was used. The patient has not voided and complains of headache. The patient has a pulse of 62 beats/min, a respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 92/48 mm Hg. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
A) Contact the anesthetist to request an order for ephedrine.
B) Have the patient sit up to relieve the headache pain.
C) Lower the head of the bed to a 10- to 15-degree head-down position.
D) Obtain an order for a urinary catheter for urinary retention.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Spinal anesthetics have several adverse effects, but the most significant is hypotension caused by the venous dilation that occurs from blockade of sympathetic nerves. The result is decreased blood return to the heart, which causes reduced cardiac output and a drop in blood pressure. The first step in treating this is to put the patient in a 10- to 15-degree head-down position to promote venous return to the heart. Ephedrine or phenylephrine is used if the first measure fails. Spinal headaches are common; the intervention for this is to have the patient assume a supine position. Urinary retention can occur secondary to autonomic blockade; it is a concern if the patient has not voided for 8 hours after the procedure, but not in the immediate postoperative period.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Patient in the Immediate