Which complication is a nurse most likely to monitor for post-operatively in a patient who had a spinal anaesthetic?

Prepare for the New Zealand State Nursing Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get prepared to excel in your test!

Monitoring for bladder problems is critical following a spinal anaesthetic because the procedure can lead to temporary or prolonged loss of sensory and motor function in the lower body, including the bladder. Spinal anaesthesia blocks nerve signals, which can impair the patient's ability to sense bladder fullness or to initiate urination effectively. This effect can result in urinary retention, incontinence, or difficulty with bladder control.

In addition, because the autonomic nervous system may be affected, there may be changes in bladder reflexes, leading to complications such as acute urinary retention that require intervention. Nurses must assess the patient's urinary output and any signs of bladder distension to address these potential issues promptly.

While infection at the injection site, constipation, and cardiac arrest are potential concerns in a post-operative setting, they are less directly associated with the effects of spinal anaesthesia itself compared to bladder dysfunction.

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