A nurse is attending to a client who is receiving opioid epidural analgesia during labor. Which of the following observations should the nurse prioritize?
The client reports profuse itching.
Temperature 38.2°C (100.8°F).
Blood pressure 80/56 mm Hg.
The client reports weakness of the lower extremities.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While itching can be a side effect of opioid analgesics, it is not the priority observation. Itching can be uncomfortable for the client, but it is not life-threatening.
Choice B rationale
A temperature of 38.2°C (100.8°F) indicates a low-grade fever. While this should be monitored, it is not the priority observation in this situation.
Choice C rationale
The priority observation is the client’s blood pressure. Opioid epidural analgesia can cause hypotension, which can lead to inadequate perfusion to the mother and the fetus. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize monitoring the client’s blood pressure.
Choice D rationale
Weakness of the lower extremities can be a side effect of epidural analgesia, but it is not the priority observation. The nurse should monitor for this, but it is not as critical as monitoring the client’s blood pressure.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is a group of problems that occur in a newborn who was exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb. While NAS can pose risks to a newborn, it is not considered the greatest risk.
Choice B rationale
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a condition where the “ball and socket” joint of the hip does not properly form in babies and young children. While DDH can pose risks to a newborn, it is not considered the greatest risk.
Choice C rationale
Subgaleal hemorrhage is a rare but potentially lethal condition in newborns, usually resulting from vacuum-assisted delivery. While it can pose risks to a newborn, it is not considered the greatest risk.
Choice D rationale
Congenital cardiac defects are the most common type of birth defect. They can alter the way blood flows through the heart and pose a significant risk to a newborn.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C. . . However, it is not the first action a nurse should take when late decelerations in the FHR are noted.
Choice B rationale
Applying a fetal scalp electrode is a procedure used for continuous fetal heart monitoring during labor. It provides a more accurate and consistent transmission of the fetal heart rate than external methods. However, it is not the first action a nurse should take when late decelerations in the FHR are noted.
Choice C rationale
Changing the client’s position can help improve uteroplacental blood flow and fetal oxygenation. It is often the first action taken when late decelerations are noted in the FHR.
Choice D rationale
Increasing the rate of the IV infusion can help increase maternal blood volume and improve uteroplacental blood flow. However, it is not the first action a nurse should take when late decelerations in the FHR are noted.
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