Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 77%
Simulated
A client in the PACU after spinal anesthesia reports a severe headache when sitting up. The nurse suspects:
Correct answer
B
Rationale
A severe headache worsened by sitting up after spinal anesthesia is characteristic of a post-dural puncture headache due to cerebrospinal fluid leakage. This requires prompt management, such as hydration or an epidural blood patch.