Author Question: The nurse determines that a patient recovering from spinal anesthesia is experiencing complications ... (Read 117 times)

Jramos095 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse determines that a patient recovering from spinal anesthesia is experiencing complications from the anesthesia. Which actions should the nurse expect to be provided to this patient?

Select all that apply.
1. Caffeine
2. Analgesics
3. Intravenous fluids
4. Epidural blood patch
5. Vasoactive medication

Question 2

A patient who has reacted poorly to general anesthesia in the past is scheduled for surgery to repair a rotator cuff tear. For which types of anesthesia should the nurse prepare educational materials for this patient?

Select all that apply.
1. Spinal
2. Topical
3. Epidural
4. Nerve block
5. Local nerve infiltration

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

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3, 4

Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the epidural space can cause reduced CSF pressure and postoperative headaches. Treatment may include hydration, caffeine, analgesics, or administration of an epidural blood patch. Vasoactive medications are used if hypotension occurs.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3, 4

Epidural blocks are local anesthetic agents injected into the epidural space, outside the dura mater of the spinal cord. It is indicated for surgeries of the shoulders. Nerve blocks are accomplished by injecting an anesthetic agent at the nerve trunk to produce a lack of sensation over a specific larger area, such as an extremity. Spinal anesthesia is effective for approximately 90 minutes. Surgeries of the lower abdomen, perineum, and lower extremities are likely to use this type of regional anesthesia. Topical anesthesia would not be an option for this case. Local nerve infiltration is achieved by injecting an anesthetic agent around a local nerve to suppress sensation over a limited area of the body. This technique may be used when a skin or muscle biopsy is obtained or when a small wound is sutured.