What is the most important postoperative instruction that nurse Kate must give a client who has just returned from the operating room after receiving a subarachnoid block?
A. “Avoid drinking liquids until the gag reflex returns.”
B. “Avoid eating milk products for 24 hours.”
C. “Notify a nurse if you experience blood in your urine.”
D. “Remain supine for the time specified by the physician.”
Correct Answer: D. “Remain supine for the time specified by the physician.”
The nurse should instruct the client to remain supine for the time specified by the physician.
Option A: Local anesthetics used in a subarachnoid block don’t alter the gag reflex.
Option B: No interactions between local anesthetics and food occur.
Option C: Local anesthetics don’t cause hematuria.