A nurse is collecting data from a client who is receiving epidural anesthesia. Which of the following findings indicates an adverse effect of this method of pain management?
Tachycardia
Fever
Tachypnea
Hypertension
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Tachycardia is not a common or direct adverse effect of epidural anesthesia itself. While a rapid heart rate may occur secondary to maternal anxiety or as a compensatory response to hypotension, it is not the primary physiological marker for epidural complications. Heart rate typically remains stable or may decrease slightly as pain is relieved and sympathetic activity is modulated.
B. Fever is a documented potential adverse effect associated with epidural anesthesia, particularly during labor. The exact mechanism is multifactorial, potentially involving altered thermoregulation, reduced heat dissipation due to sympathetic blockade, or a non-infectious inflammatory response. Clinicians must distinguish this pharmacological pyrexia from maternal infection to ensure appropriate neonatal and maternal management following the delivery.
C. Tachypnea, or an increased respiratory rate, is generally not associated with epidural anesthesia. In fact, if the anesthesia level rises too high, it can lead to respiratory depression or a decreased rate due to the blockade of intercostal muscle nerves. Effective epidural analgesia usually promotes a more relaxed, normal breathing pattern by successfully alleviating the physiological stress and hyperventilation caused by acute pain.
D. Hypertension is the opposite of the expected vascular response to epidural anesthesia. The local anesthetic typically causes a sympathetic blockade, leading to peripheral vasodilation and a significant risk of maternal hypotension rather than high blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure is a critical nursing priority because decreased systemic vascular resistance can compromise placental perfusion and lead to fetal heart rate decelerations.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Administering medication into the deltoid muscle is not typically done in newborns. Phytonadione is given intramuscularly, usually in the vastus lateralis muscle, not the deltoid muscle.
B) Incorrect- Phytonadione should be given within 1 hour of birth, not 12 hours after birth. Delaying the administration increases the risk of bleeding complications.
C) Correct- The size of the needle is important for the newborn's comfort, A 25-gauge needle is the appropriate size for administering phytonadione to a newborn. A smaller needle may not deliver the medication adequately, and a larger needle may cause more tissue damage and bleeding.
D) Incorrect- The mother's Rh factor is irrelevant for the administration of phytonadione.
Rh factor affects the risk of hemolytic disease in the newborn, which is a different condition from hemorrhagic disease.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect- The angle of insertion for the hepatitis B vaccine is typically 90 degrees.
B) Incorrect- Obtaining parental consent is important for any medical procedure involving a minor, but it is not specific to the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine.
C) Correct - The first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is usually given within the first 24 hours after birth to newborns whose mothers are hepatitis B positive to prevent vertical transmission.
D) Incorrect- The hepatitis B vaccine is usually administered into the vastus lateralis muscle in the newborn's thigh, not the dorsal gluteal muscle.
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