Author Question: A patient recovering from a laminectomy reports a pain level of 10 on a scale of 0 to 10. The ... (Read 29 times)

KWilfred · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient recovering from a laminectomy reports a pain level of 10 on a scale of 0 to 10. The patient says something must be wrong because the pain is worse than it was before the surgery. How should the nurse respond?

1. The discomfort is not pain but rather muscle spasms.
2. I'm sure you will need more surgery, so I will be back to get you.
3. The surgery caused edema of the nerve roots, which increases the amount of pain.
4. Pain is an indication that something is wrong. I will contact the surgeon.

Question 2

The nurse is instructing a patient with a ruptured vertebral disk on self-care measures. What should the nurse include in this teaching?

Select all that apply.

1. Bend from the waist.
2. Wear low-heeled shoes.
3. Avoid twisting the back.
4. Sleep on a firm mattress.
5. Use a pillow under the knees when lying down.

akpaschal · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
The patient recovering from a laminectomy has experienced compression of the nerve root over time, resulting in edema and inflammation. Because of surgery-induced edema, the patient is likely to experience either the same pain or perhaps more severe pain in the period immediately after surgery. Pain is whatever the patient says it is. Muscle spasms also cause pain. The patient does not need more surgery, and the surgeon does not need to be contacted.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2, 3, 4, 5
The patient should be instructed to wear low-heeled or flat shoes, avoid twisting the back, sleep on a firm mattress, and, when in the supine position, to flex the knees to approximately a 45-degree angle with a small pillow. Bending from the waist should be avoided.