A Nurse Is Caring for a Patient in the Immediate

Multiple Choice

A nurse is caring for a patient in the immediate postoperative period after surgery in which a spinal anesthetic was used. The patient has not voided and complains of headache. The patient has a pulse of 62 beats/min, a respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 92/48 mm Hg. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

A) Contact the anesthetist to request an order for ephedrine.
B) Have the patient sit up to relieve the headache pain.
C) Lower the head of the bed to a 10- to 15-degree head-down position.
D) Obtain an order for a urinary catheter for urinary retention.