A client diagnosed with cervical spine degeneration has undergone a laminectomy. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Measuring drainage from the Jackson-Pratt drain is important, but this is not the primary intervention to address post-laminectomy complications. The patient should generally be positioned in a neutral, stable position, but not specifically prone with knees elevated, which may be uncomfortable or inappropriate for the cervical region. Narcotics may be required for pain control, especially postoperatively, so advising the patient to avoid them is inappropriate. Following a cervical spine laminectomy, the nurse should assess the client for any signs of nerve or spinal cord injury, such as difficulty speaking or breathing. These symptoms may indicate spinal cord compression or other complications.