which is priority in the post-op pt

loricatus · Feb 17, 2009

I did remember Maslow, but I have a terrible habit of the "second-guess syndrome"....I am going to have to kick that one fast or I'll never make it!!! Thanks for the reply!
Do you mind if I ask you one more question from today that I can't find the answer to?
I don't remember the choices, but the question was basically "why would a post op pt remain in a supine postion for 24 hours after receiving spinal anesthesia?"
spinal headache was one
change in bp was another, but I don't remember the other two options. Any idea what it would be?

It is hard to say because the other two options would be needed.

I say that because you usually don't need 24 hours of supine to prevent a spinal headache or a change in BP. Was one of the choices related to a dural tear? The spinal headache would be caused by a leak of spinal fluid and all you need is a couple of hours max to prevent the leak. For those that have a leak that doesn't subside, the headache is the clue and a blood patch would be performed to stop the leak-with that you still only need a couple of hours supine max, after that. Orders are usually 24 hours supine if a dural tear occurs; but, I don't think that they would get that complicated for you as a student.

Hope I didn't complicate things further for you. I think the answer lies in the exact wording of the question and a look at all the choices you had.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2009

"why would a post op pt remain in a supine postion for 24 hours after receiving spinal anesthesia?"

spinal headache was one

change in bp was another

spinal headache can also occur because there is a change in the amount of cns fluid once an injection has been made into it. once the patient elevates their head it changes the pressure in the cns system and can create an insyant headache.

RNnTrainin' · Feb 17, 2009

yeah, I read about that in the book, but I can't remember the other options.....I'll find out Thursday when we get the test back! Thanks anyway