A nurse is planning care for a client who is in labor and is requesting epidural anesthesia for pain control. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Place the client in a supine position for 30 min following the first dose of anesthetic solution.
Administer 1.000 mL of dextrose 5% in water prior to the first dose of anesthetic solution.
Monitor the client's blood pressure every minute following the first dose of anesthetic solution.
Ensure the client has been NPO 4 hr prior to the treatment of the epidural and the first dose of anesthetic solution.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Placing the client in a supine position for 30 minutes following the first dose of anesthetic solution is not a standard recommendation. The positioning during epidural placement is typically a seated or side-lying position.
Choice B Reason:
Administering 1,000 mL of dextrose 5% in water prior to the first dose of anesthetic solution is not a standard practice for epidural anesthesi
A. Fluids may be administered, but the type and volume depend on the patient's individual needs and the healthcare provider's orders.
Choice C Reason:
Monitoring the client's blood pressure every minute following the first dose of anesthetic solution is appropriate. Epidural anesthesia can potentially cause hypotension (low blood pressure), which is a common side effect. Therefore, close monitoring of the client's blood pressure is crucial, especially following the administration of the initial dose of the anesthetic solution. The goal is to promptly detect and manage any decrease in blood pressure to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Choice D Reason:
Ensuring the client has been NPO (nothing by mouth) for 4 hours prior to the placement of the epidural and the first dose of anesthetic solution is not a specific requirement for epidural anesthesi
A. NPO status is more relevant to surgical procedures involving general anesthesia and is not typically a strict requirement for epidural placement.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is B. Place the client in the lateral position.
A. Increasing the rate of maintenance IV infusion may be necessary, but the initial action should be to address potential aortocaval compression. Repositioning the client to the lateral position helps alleviate compression on the vena cava and improves blood flow to the uterus.
B. Placing the client in the lateral position is the correct first action. Changing the client's position, particularly from a supine to a side-lying position, can relieve aortocaval compression and improve uteroplacental perfusion.
C. Elevating the client's legs is not the priority in this situation. Repositioning the client to the lateral position is more important to address potential aortocaval compression.
D. Administering oxygen using a nonrebreather mask may be indicated, but repositioning the client to the lateral position is the first action to address potential aortocaval compression. Oxygen administration can follow if necessary.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is A. Blood pressure 80/56 mm Hg.
A. A blood pressure of 80/56 mm Hg is the priority finding. Opioid analgesia can cause hypotension, and addressing low blood pressure is crucial to prevent maternal and fetal complications. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider promptly and implement interventions to improve blood pressure.
B. Profuse itching is a common side effect of opioids and is generally not considered a priority unless it becomes severe or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
C. A temperature of 38.2°C (100.8°F) may indicate a fever, but addressing hypotension takes precedence. Elevated temperature can be further assessed but is not the priority in this scenario.
D. The client reporting weakness of the lower extremities is a concerning symptom, but the priority is to address hypotension first, as it could be related to opioid-induced hypotension.
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