A woman in labor has just received an epidural black. The most important nursing intervention is to:
Monitor the maternal pulse for possible bradycardia
Monitor the maternal blood pressure for possible hypotension.
Monitor the fetus for possible tachycardia.
Limit parenteral fluids
The Correct Answer is B
Epidural blocks are commonly used during labor to provide pain relief. However, they can also cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, known as epidural-induced hypotension, which can affect fetal oxygenation and fetal heart rate. Therefore, it is important to monitor maternal blood pressure frequently after an epidural block is administered.
While monitoring the maternal pulse is also important, hypotension is the most common complication of epidural anesthesia and can lead to decreased blood flow to the fetus. Therefore, monitoring maternal blood pressure is the priority.
Monitoring the fetus is also important, but it is not the most important intervention after an epidural block. Limiting parenteral fluids may be necessary in some cases to help prevent or treat hypotension, but it is not always necessary and should be done based on the individual situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Magnesium sulfate is a medication commonly used to prevent and treat seizure activity in pregnant women with preeclampsia and eclampsia. It works by decreasing neuromuscular irritability and depressing the central nervous system.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Assessing fetal heart rate (FHR) and maternal vital signs would be the highest priority nursing intervention when admitting a pregnant woman who has experienced a bleeding episode in late pregnancy. This is because fetal distress or maternal instability may require immediate medical intervention, such as delivery via emergency cesarean section or blood transfusions, respectively.
Therefore, assessing the FHR and maternal vital signs will help to determine the urgency of the situation and guide the next steps in the management of the patient. Once the patient's condition has stabilized, performing venipuncture for hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, monitoring uterine contractions, and placing clean disposable pads to collect any drainage can be done as appropriate.
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