Question

When caring for a client with an anterior cervical discectomy, the nurse should give priority to assessing for post-operative bleeding. The nurse should pay particular attention to:

Drainage on the surgical dressing
Complaints of neck pain
Bleeding from the mouth
Swelling in the posterior neck

Answer 1

In patients who have undergone an anterior cervical discectomy, nurses must prioritize assessing for post-operative bleeding, especially 3) bleeding from the mouth, which could signify serious complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a client with an anterior cervical discectomy, the nurse should prioritize assessing for post-operative bleeding.

Among the signs to monitor, one of the most important is 3) bleeding from the mouth, which could indicate a serious complication such as a pharyngeal or esophageal injury.

While drainage on the surgical dressing, complaints of neck pain, and swelling in the posterior neck are also important to assess, bleeding from the mouth after such a surgery could be life-threatening if not addressed immediately.

The surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional should review aloud these key concerns to ensure a safe and effective recovery for the patient.