A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and has an epidural anesthesia block. The client's blood pressure is 80/40 mm Hg, and the fetal heart rate is 140/min. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?
Elevate the client's legs.
Place the client in a lateral position.
Monitor vital signs every 5 minutes.
Notify the provider.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A: Elevating the client's legs is a measure to increase blood flow to the brain in cases of orthostatic hypotension but may not be sufficient to improve fetal oxygenation in this situation. The lateral position is preferred as it improves uterine perfusion.
Choice B: The client's blood pressure of 80/40 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which can be a common side effect of epidural anesthesia. The priority nursing action is to place the client in a lateral (sidelying) position to improve blood flow to vital organs, including the uterus and placenta, and prevent further compromise of fetal oxygenation.
Choice C: Monitoring vital signs every 5 minutes is an important nursing action, but the priority in this situation is to address the hypotension and improve maternal and fetal wellbeing first.
Choice D: Notifying the provider is an important step, but it should not be the first action. Immediate intervention to address the hypotension is required to improve fetal oxygenation.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) "Maybe next time you can have a vaginal delivery.": This response may not be appropriate as it assumes a future pregnancy and vaginal delivery is guaranteed. It may not address the client's current feelings of disappointment adequately.
B) "It sounds like you are feeling sad that things didn't go as planned.": This is the correct answer as it shows empathy and validates the client's feelings of disappointment. It acknowledges the client's emotions and provides support during this sensitive time.
C) "You can resume sexual relations sooner than if you had delivered vaginally.": While this statement may be true, it is not directly related to the client's expressed feelings of disappointment.
D) "At least you know you have a healthy baby.": This response dismisses the client's feelings and may not be wellreceived, as the client is expressing a desire for emotional support rather
than a reassurance about the baby's health.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: "I should not drink alcoholic beverages during my pregnancy." Correct, as alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and other adverse outcomes.
Choice B: "I should drink about 2 liters of fluid each day." Correct, as adequate hydration is essential during pregnancy.
Choice C: "I can have a moderate amount of caffeine daily." Correct, as moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe during pregnancy (around 200300 mg per day).
Choice D: During pregnancy, certain fish types can be high in mercury, which can be harmful to the developing fetus. Fish with high mercury levels should be limited or avoided during pregnancy.
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