A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and just received epidural anesthesia. The client's blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Turn the client onto their side.
Initiate an amnio-infusion for the client.
Administer naloxone to the client.
Monitor the client's blood pressure every 15 min.
The Correct Answer is A
Epidural anesthesia can cause hypotension in the mother, which can decrease blood flow to the fetus. Turning the client onto their side can help to improve blood flow to the fetus by reducing the pressure of the uterus on the vena cava and increasing venous return to the heart.
Option B is incorrect because an amnio-infusion is not indicated for hypotension related to epidural anesthesia.
Option C is also incorrect because naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid medications and would not be appropriate for treating hypotension related to epidural anesthesia.
Option D is partially correct but does not address the immediate need to improve blood flow to the fetus. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure regularly but should also take immediate action to turn the client onto their side to improve blood flow.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Administering 70% nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen is a common pain management option for laboring clients.
Applying counterpressure to the sacral area can help alleviate back pain during labor. Sitting in a tub of warm water, also known as hydrotherapy, can help reduce pain and promote relaxation during labor.
Ambulating the client may not be feasible or safe during the latent phase of labor when contractions are less frequent and intense.
Performing Leopold maneuvers, which involve palpating the mother's abdomen to determine the position of the fetus, does not directly address pain management.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Epidural analgesia during labor can cause temporary bladder dysfunction, which may result in an inability to void. This is due to the epidural medication affecting the nerves that control the bladder. If the client is unable to void, it can lead to bladder distention, which can be uncomfortable for the client and increase the risk of infection.
Tingling in her legs, abdominal cramps, and itching are common side effects of epidural analgesia, and can be addressed after the client's inability to void is addressed. The nurse can provide the client with education on these side effects and reassurance that they are typically temporary and should resolve on their own.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.