A woman in labor has just received an epidural block.
The most important nursing intervention is to:
Monitor the maternal blood pressure for possible hypertension.
Monitor the maternal pulse for possible bradycardia.
Monitor the fetus for possible tachycardia.
Limit parenteral fluids.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Hypertension is not a common side effect of epidural blocks; instead, hypotension is more likely due to vasodilation. Monitoring for hypertension is not the most important intervention.
Choice B rationale
Bradycardia is a potential side effect of epidural blocks due to sympathetic blockade. Monitoring the maternal pulse for bradycardia ensures timely intervention if this side effect occurs.
Choice C rationale
Epidural blocks do not typically cause fetal tachycardia. Monitoring the fetus for tachycardia is not the primary nursing intervention following epidural administration.
Choice D rationale
Limiting parenteral fluids is not advised after an epidural block as fluids are essential to counteract potential hypotension. Fluid management is crucial to maintain maternal and fetal hemodynamics.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is True
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Starting Pitocin at a low dose minimizes the risk of uterine hyperstimulation, which can cause fetal distress. Gradually increasing the dose allows careful monitoring of the mother’s and fetus’s responses for optimal contraction rate.
Choice B rationale
Administering Pitocin without starting at a low dose increases the risk of uterine tachysystole, leading to potential complications like uterine rupture or placental abruption. A gradual increase ensures safer labor progression.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Meconium is produced by the fetal intestines. The intestines start to form meconium around the 16th week of gestation. Meconium is composed of shed cells, mucus, amniotic fluid, bile, and lanugo.
Choice B rationale
The placenta does not produce meconium. Its primary functions include nutrient transfer, gas exchange, and waste elimination, but it does not have the structures necessary for the production of meconium.
Choice C rationale
Amniotic fluid does not produce meconium. Amniotic fluid surrounds and protects the fetus but does not contain the components needed to create meconium. Instead, the fetus swallows and then excretes it into the intestines.
Choice D rationale
Fetal kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and producing urine, but they do not produce meconium. The production of meconium is a function of the intestines, not the kidneys.
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