A client has undergone spinal anesthetic, it will be important that the nurse immediately position the client in:
A. On the side, to prevent obstruction of the airway by the tongue
B. Flat on back
C. On the back, with knees, flexed 15 degrees
D. Flat on the stomach, with the head, turned to the side
Correct Answer: B. Flat on back
To avoid the complication of a painful spinal headache that can last for several days, the client is kept flat in a supine position for approximately 4 to 12 hours postoperatively. Headaches are believed to be caused by the seepage of cerebrospinal fluid from the puncture site. By keeping the client flat, cerebral spinal fluid pressures are equalized, which avoids trauma to the neurons.
Option A: The client may experience a severe headache if kept in a side-lying position. Spinal headaches are caused by leakage of spinal fluid through a puncture hole in the tough membrane (dura mater) that surrounds the spinal cord.
Option C: A supine position for 4 to 12 hours would prevent seepage of cerebrospinal fluid from the puncture site. There is no need to flex the knees.
Option D: Lying on his stomach would be uncomfortable to a postoperative patient, and would cause a painful spinal headache from the spinal anesthesia.