A practical nurse is planning care for a client who is 12 hours post-operative following a lumbar laminectomy. Which interventions should the nurse include to promote comfort and maintain safety? (Select all that apply.)
- Use a logrolling technique with the assistance of another staff member when turning the client.Answer
- Place a pillow between the client's legs prior to turning them onto their side.Answer
- CElevate the head of the bed to a 90-degree angle when assisting the client with meals.
- Offer a fracture bedpan for elimination needs to minimize lifting of the lower back.Answer
- EDelegate the initial post-operative assessment of the client's lower extremity motor strength to assistive personnel.
Answer
The correct interventions are using a logrolling technique with assistance, placing a pillow between the legs before turning, and offering a fracture bedpan for elimination.
Following a lumbar laminectomy, the primary goal of basic care is to maintain the spine in neutral alignment to prevent injury to the surgical site. Using a logrolling technique with a second staff member and placing a pillow between the legs ensures the client's body moves as a single unit without twisting. Utilizing a fracture bedpan prevents the client from having to lift their hips, which would flex the lumbar spine.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Post-operative basic care and positioning for spinal surgery