Following a craniotomy, the nurse positions a client in a semi-reclining position for which reason?
ExplanationThe semi-reclining position will promote drainage from the operative area and prevent cerebral edema without putting undue pressure on the cerebral structures. The major goal after craniotomy is to prevent cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure. The position might or might not promote comfort. That is not the major reason for placing the client in the semireclining position, however. A semi-reclining position allows for moderate thoracic expansion (not as much as semi-Fowler’s), but that is not
the reason for using a semi-reclining position in a client who had a craniotomy. A semi-reclining position will help a little in preventing circulatory overload (not as much as semi-sitting), but that is not the reason for using semi-reclining in a client who has had a craniotomy.
