A client is 2 hours post ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement.
How should the nurse position the client?
A . Head of bed elevated 30 degrees on nonoperative side
B . Head of bed elevated 30 degrees on operative side
C . Bed flat on operative side
D . Bed flat on nonoperative side
Answer: D
Explanation:
(A) Elevation of head on nonoperative side would be the position for the late postoperative period.
(B) Positioning on operative side puts pressure on the suture lines and on the shunt valve. Elevation of head in immediate postoperative period may cause rapid reduction of cerebrospinal fluid.
(C) Placement on operative side puts pressure on the suture lines and shunt valve.
(D) Flat position on nonoperative side in the immediate postoperative period prevents pressure on shunt valve and rapid reduction in cerebrospinal fluid.
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