A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and is scheduled to receive epidural anesthesia.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Monitor blood pressure every 30 minutes following epidural placement.
Administer lactated Ringer's 500 mL bolus via intermittent IV infusion prior to epidural placement.
Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min prior to epidural placement.
Reposition the client every hour following epidural placement.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Monitoring blood pressure every 30 minutes following epidural placement is important but not the initial action. Epidural anesthesia can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, so frequent monitoring is crucial. However, the initial step should focus on preventing hypotension.
Choice B rationale
Administering lactated Ringer's 500 mL bolus via intermittent IV infusion prior to epidural placement helps in maintaining blood pressure. Epidural anesthesia can cause vasodilation, leading to hypotension. Preloading with fluids ensures adequate blood volume and reduces the risk of a significant drop in blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min prior to epidural placement is not necessary unless the client has respiratory complications. Oxygen supplementation is used to treat or prevent hypoxia, which is not a primary concern in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Repositioning the client every hour following epidural placement is important to ensure even distribution of the anesthetic and prevent pressure sores. However, this is not the initial action to take for preventing hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"B"},"G":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
- Administration of IV fluids: This is anticipated as it ensures the client remains well-hydrated, which is important for both maternal and fetal health.
- Continuous monitoring of FHR: This is anticipated to monitor the fetal well-being and ensure there are no signs of fetal distress.
- Abdominal ultrasound: This is anticipated to assess fetal growth, amniotic fluid levels, and placental positioning.
- Digital cervical exam to assess dilation and effacement: This is contraindicated because frequent cervical exams can increase the risk of infection and may cause unnecessary discomfort, especially if there are no signs of labor.
- Laboratory testing: CBC, Blood Type & Rh, Coagulation Studies: These tests are anticipated to provide important information about the client's blood count, blood type, Rh status, and coagulation parameters, which are crucial for managing potential complications.
- Placement of an internal fetal spiral electrode: This is contraindicated as it is an invasive procedure that carries risks, and it is unnecessary given that the FHR is within normal limits with external monitoring.
- Administration of betamethasone: This is anticipated as betamethasone is often given to promote fetal lung maturity in cases where there is a risk of preterm birth.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Irregular heartbeat (palpitations or arrhythmias) can indicate a serious cardiovascular side effect of nifedipine. It requires immediate medical attention as it could compromise maternal and fetal circulation.
Choice B rationale
Hair loss is not a known adverse effect of nifedipine and generally does not pose a significant health risk. It is more commonly associated with hormonal changes rather than medication side effects.
Choice C rationale
Increased salivation is not a common side effect of nifedipine. Nifedipine primarily affects the cardiovascular system rather than salivary glands.
Choice D rationale
Pause is not a recognized adverse effect related to nifedipine usage. The term itself is ambiguous and not typically associated with the pharmacological profile of nifedipine.
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