A nurse is planning care for a child who had a spinal fusion. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to include?

Postoperative care for a spinal fusion involves preventing surgical site complications and maintaining spinal alignment. Knowledge of musculoskeletal healing, neurological assessment, and specialized movement techniques like log rolling is necessary to promote recovery and prevent permanent nerve damage or hardware displacement. Choice A rationale Teaching about a Patient-Controlled Analgesia pump should ideally occur preoperatively. Postoperative pain and the effects of anesthesia make it difficult for the child to learn and retain the complex instructions needed to manage their own medication. Choice B rationale Log rolling is the standard technique for repositioning patients after spinal surgery. It ensures the head, shoulders, and hips move as a single unit, preventing any twisting or flexion that could disrupt the spinal fusion. Choice C rationale While early mobility is important, ambulation 24 hours after a complex spinal fusion may be too early depending on the surgeon's orders. Most protocols focus on sitting and stabilized movements before full ambulation is attempted. Choice D rationale Maintaining a strictly supine position for extended periods can increase the risk of pressure ulcers and pulmonary complications. Frequent repositioning using the log roll technique is necessary to ensure skin integrity and respiratory health.