Question

When developing the postoperative plan of care for a client scheduled for a laminectomy to repair a herniated intervertebral disk, which action should the nurse include?

1) Turning the client from side to side, using the logroll technique
2) Placing the client in semi-Fowler's position
3) Maintaining bed rest for 72 hours after the laminectomy
4) Keeping a pillow under the client's knees at all times

Answer 1

The nurse should include turning the client from side to side using the logroll technique in the postoperative plan of care for a laminectomy. Lifting heavy objects may cause a lower limb pain by causing a herniated disc, leading to nerve compression and sciatica. Option 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

When developing a postoperative plan of care for a client scheduled for a laminectomy to repair a herniated intervertebral disk, it is important to include such actions as turning the client from side to side, using the logroll technique option 1. This technique will help to prevent stress on the spinal column and the surgical site, as well as alleviate pain and discomfort. Lifting heavy objects can produce pain in a lower limb because this action can lead to a herniated disc, where the nucleus pulposus protrudes posteriorly through the annulus fibrosus, potentially causing compression of a spinal nerve and resulting in symptoms like sciatica, characterized by pain radiating from the lower back to the thigh and leg. The bulging of the nucleus pulposus is a common occurrence at the L4/L5 or L5/S1 intervertebral discs.