The new mother had spinal anesthesia during a cesarean delivery. ...

[EY67]

The new mother had spinal anesthesia during a cesarean delivery. She now has a desire to void and can wiggle her toes. If she wants to go to the bathroom, the nurse should:
 
  a. assess her blood pressure.
  b. obtain a wheelchair.
  c. palpate her bladder.
  d. put slippers on her feet.

Question 2

The postpartum mother tells the nurse she is afraid to have a bowel movement because of her painful episiotomy. What should the nurse do?
 
  a. Offer a suppository or enema.
  b. Encourage ambulation.
  c. Offer stool softeners as prescribed.
  d. Offer pain medication before defecating.

[tofugiraffe]

Answer to Question 1

D
The nurse should check that the mother is wearing slippers before ambulation following spinal anesthesia to ensure better footing.

Answer to Question 2

C
Stool softeners are available to ease the pain of defecation due to hemorrhoids and birth trauma.