ATI Custom Maternal Newborn Related

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Woman post-spinal anesthesia, pounding headache rated 7/10

A woman had spinal anesthesia for delivery. Now she complains of a pounding headache rated 7/10. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?

  • A. Place a cool cloth on her forehead and dim the room lights.
  • B. Prepare to assist with a blood patch procedure.
  • C. Increase the rate of her nonadditive IV fluids.
  • D. Give the woman IV opioid pain medications.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A pounding headache post-spinal anesthesia suggests a spinal headache from cerebrospinal fluid leakage, best treated with a blood patch to seal the dural puncture.