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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The lowermost portion of the fetus is at the level of the ischial spines.
A. The lowermost portion of the fetus being at the level of the ischial spines is the correct interpretation of 0 station. In the station system, when the presenting part is at the level of the ischial spines, it is referred to as 0 station.

B. The largest fetal diameter passing through the pelvic outlet is generally represented by the complete passage of the fetus through the birth canal. This is more indicative of full cervical dilation (10 cm) rather than a specific station.
C. The posterior fontanel being palpable is not directly related to the concept of station. Fontanel palpation is more associated with determining fetal head position.
D. The fetal head being in the left occiput posterior position is related to fetal position, not station. The station describes the descent of the presenting part in relation to the ischial spines.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is A. Variable decelerations are due to umbilical cord compression.
A. Variable decelerations are often associated with umbilical cord compression. This compression can occur when the umbilical cord is briefly compressed or squeezed, leading to transient decreases in fetal heart rate.

B. Variable decelerations are not typically a result of the administration of IV narcotic analgesics. They are more commonly associated with cord compression or other factors affecting fetal oxygenation.
C. Variable decelerations are not generally caused by uteroplacental insufficiency. Uteroplacental insufficiency is more commonly associated with late decelerations.
D. Variable decelerations are not primarily related to fetal head compression. While head compression can cause certain types of decelerations, variable decelerations are specifically associated with umbilical cord compression.
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