A nurse is preparing a plan of care for a client who is postoperative following a cochlear implant insertion. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A.
Lie on your back when sleeping.
B.
Lie on your front when sleeping.
C.
Resume your exercise routine.
D.
Wash your hair 24 hr after surgery.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is A. Lie on your back when sleeping.
Explanation
After a cochlear implant surgery, the postoperative care is crucial for promoting proper healing and ensuring the success of the implant. Here’s a breakdown of why lying on your back is advised and why the other options are less appropriate:
- Lying on Your Back (Option A):
- Reasoning: Post-surgery, particularly after a cochlear implant procedure, it’s generally recommended for patients to lie on their back while sleeping. This position helps to avoid pressure on the surgical site, which is typically located behind the ear. Lying on your back minimizes the risk of displacement or irritation of the implant and supports optimal healing by reducing the risk of edema and complications associated with pressure on the incision site.
- Lying on Your Front (Option B):
- Reasoning: Lying on your front is not recommended because it can put direct pressure on the surgical site. This pressure can increase the risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, or displacement of the implant. Since the surgery involves the area around the ear, it is crucial to avoid positions that could interfere with the healing process or damage the implant.
- Resuming Exercise Routine (Option C):
- Reasoning: Resuming physical activities or exercise routines too soon after surgery can increase the risk of complications. Physical activities might involve movements that could disturb the healing area or increase the risk of infection. It’s essential to follow the specific guidelines provided by the surgeon regarding when it is safe to resume normal activities, which usually involves waiting until you have healed adequately.
- Washing Hair 24 Hours After Surgery (Option D):
- Reasoning: Washing hair too soon after the surgery can be problematic as it might lead to moisture getting into the surgical site, which can increase the risk of infection. Typically, surgeons advise patients to avoid getting the surgical area wet for a period longer than 24 hours to ensure the wound remains clean and dry. The exact timing can vary based on the surgeon’s instructions, so it’s important to follow the guidance provided.
In summary, lying on your back while sleeping helps protect the surgical site and supports the healing process, making it the most appropriate recommendation for postoperative care following cochlear implant surgery.