What finding suggests a client is at risk for fluid volume deficit after lumbar spinal surgery?

The finding that indicates a client is at risk for fluid volume deficit after lumbar spinal surgery is based on the amount of fluid output from the surgical drain. A surgical drain serves to remove excess fluid and prevent hematoma formation post-operatively. Generally, monitoring drain output is crucial as it reflects potential fluid loss from the body.

When assessing the outputs, a higher output suggests more fluid is being lost from the surgical site. An output of 300 mL in 8 hours is significant and indicates that the client may not be retaining enough fluid, which could lead to dehydration or fluid volume deficit. This output exceeds typical expectations for post-surgical drain activity, thereby raising concerns regarding the client’s overall fluid status.

In a post-operative context, it’s vital to ensure the client is compensating for any losses and to monitor for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine output or dry mucous membranes. In this scenario, the substantial drain output directly correlates to an increased risk of fluid volume deficit, making it a critical finding for nursing assessment and intervention.