The nurse is caring for a client who has had spinal fusion,withinsertionofhardware.Thenursewould be most concerned with which assessment finding?

Temperature of 101.6°F (38.7°C) orallyComplaints of discomfort during repositioningOld bloody drainage outlined on the surgical dressingDiscomfort during coughing and deepbreathing exercises.

Explanation.

The nursing assessment conducted after spinal surgery is similar to that done after other surgical procedures. Forth is specific type of surgery, the nurse assesses the neurovascular status of the lower extremities, watches for signs and symptoms of infection, and in spects the surgical site for evidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage (drainage is clear and tests positive for glucose). Amild temperature is expected after insertion of hardware, but a temperature of 101.6 °F (38.7 °C) should be reported.