Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

Which assessment finding is critical for a patient who just received spinal anesthesia?

1. Stable vital signs

2. Absence of pain

3. Continued muscular awareness

4. Signs of respiratory distress

The correct answer is: Signs of respiratory distress

In the context of spinal anesthesia, one of the critical assessment findings is monitoring for signs of respiratory distress. Spinal anesthesia can lead to the blockade of not only lower body sensation and motor function but also potential effects on the thoracic nerves responsible for respiratory muscle function, especially if the anesthetic agent spreads higher than intended. Therefore, any indications of respiratory distress, such as difficulty breathing, irregular respiratory rate, or decreased oxygen saturation, would signify a serious concern that requires immediate intervention. While stable vital signs are important, they do not capture the specific risks associated with spinal anesthesia. The absence of pain is a desirable effect of the anesthesia but does not necessarily reflect the patient's overall safety. Similarly, continued muscular awareness can be expected based on the level of anesthesia administered; however, it does not provide information about the critical aspects of respiratory function. Thus, monitoring for respiratory distress is essential in ensuring the safety of the patient post-anesthesia.