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Nurse Amber is caring for a client who underwent a lumbar laminectomy two (2) days ago. Which of the following findings should the nurse consider abnormal?

A. More back pain than the first postoperative day.
B. Paresthesia in the dermatomes near the wounds.
C. Urine retention or incontinence.
D. Temperature of 99.2° F (37.3° C).

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

An abnormal finding for a patient who underwent a lumbar laminectomy two days ago is urine retention or incontinence, which requires further evaluation. Paresthesia and increased back pain also warrant attention, while a temperature of 99.2° F is slightly elevated but not necessarily abnormal postoperatively. Correct option is B.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nurse Amber is caring for a client who underwent a lumbar laminectomy two days ago. Among the postoperative findings, urine retention or incontinence should be considered abnormal and potentially indicative of a complication, such as nerve damage or infection, and warrants further investigation.

Assessing for paresthesia in the dermatomes near the wounds is also critical, as it may suggest nerve irritation or damage, but this can be a temporary and expected finding postoperatively, depending on the individual case. More back pain than the first postoperative day is concerning and may indicate an issue such as a hematoma, infection, or worsening inflammation.

Lastly, while a temperature of 99.2° F (37.3° C) is slightly elevated, it can be a normal postoperative finding and should be monitored for further increases that may signal infection.

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