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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Chorioamnionitis. Based on the information provided, the patient is at risk of developing chorioamnionitis, which is an infection of the membranes surrounding the fetus.
Choice B rationale
Preeclampsia. There is no information provided that would indicate the patient is at risk of developing preeclampsia.
Choice C rationale
Gestational diabetes. There is no information provided that would indicate the patient is at risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Choice D rationale
Preterm labor. There is no information provided that would indicate the patient is at risk of developing preterm labor.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Repaglinide is an oral diabetes medication that helps control blood sugar levels by causing the pancreas to produce insulin. However, it is not typically the first choice for treating gestational diabetes. It is usually used for type 2 diabetes and is not commonly recommended during pregnancy.
Choice B rationale
Glipizide is another oral diabetes medication that works by stimulating the pancreas to produce insulin. Like repaglinide, it is not typically used as a first-line treatment for gestational diabetes and is not commonly recommended during pregnancy.
Choice C rationale
Insulin is the most common treatment for gestational diabetes. It does not cross the placenta and thus does not cause hypoglycemia in the baby. It can be used safely during pregnancy and is effective in controlling blood glucose levels.
Choice D rationale
Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, which works by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates from the intestine. It is not typically used in pregnancy due to lack of safety data.
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