Narcotic analgesia is administered to a laboring client at 10:00 a.m. The infant is delivered at 10:35 A.M. The nurse would anticipate that the narcotic analgesia could:
Select one:
Enhance uterine contractions.
Be used in place of preoperative sedation.
Result in neonatal respiratory depression.
Prevent the need for anesthesia with an episiotomy.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: Enhance uterine contractions. This is an incorrect answer that contradicts the effect of narcotic analgesia on uterine activity. Narcotic analgesia can reduce uterine contractions by decreasing maternal catecholamine levels, which can prolong labor or increase bleeding.
Choice B Reason: Be used in place of preoperative sedation. This is an irrelevant answer that does not apply to this scenario. Preoperative sedation is a medication given before surgery to reduce anxiety, pain, or nausea. Narcotic analgesia can be used as a preoperative sedative, but it is not related to labor or delivery.
Choice C Reason: Result in neonatal respiratory depression. This is because narcotic analgesia can cross the placenta and affect the fetal central nervous system, which can cause decreased respiratory drive, apnea, bradycardia, or hypotonia in the newborn. The risk of neonatal respiratory depression is higher when narcotic analgesia is administered close to delivery, as there is less time for placental clearance or maternal metabolism.
Choice D Reason: Prevent the need for anesthesia with an episiotomy. This is an inaccurate answer that overestimates the effect of narcotic analgesia on perineal pain. Narcotic analgesia can provide some relief of labor pain, but it does not block pain sensation completely or locally. An episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening during delivery, which requires local anesthesia or regional anesthesia (such as epidural or spinal). Narcotic analgesia does not prevent or replace anesthesia with an episiotomy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Manifestations of uteroplacental insufficiency. This is an incorrect answer that describes a different condition that affects the fetus, not the mother. Uteroplacental insufficiency is a condition where the placenta fails to deliver adequate oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, which can result in fetal growth restriction, distress, or demise. Uteroplacental insufficiency does not cause shortness of breath, hypoxia, or cyanosis in the mother.
Choice B Reason: Manifestations of prolapsed cord. This is an incorrect answer that refers to another condition that affects the fetus, not the mother. Prolapsed cord is a condition where the umbilical cord slips through the cervix before the baby and becomes compressed by the fetal head, which can reduce oxygen flow to the fetus. Prolapsed cord does not cause shortness of breath, hypoxia, or cyanosis in the mother.
Choice C Reason: Manifestations of anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy. This is because anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy, also known as amniotic fluid embolism, is a rare and fatal condition where amniotic fluid enters into the maternal bloodstream and causes an allergic reaction, which can lead to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, coagulopathy, and coma. Anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy can occur during or after labor and delivery, especially in cases of NSVD, multiparity, advanced maternal age, or placental abruption.
Choice D Reason: Manifestations of an acute asthmatic episode. This is an incorrect answer that assumes that the mother has a history of asthma or an allergic trigger. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that causes wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and dyspnea. Asthma can be exacerbated by pregnancy or labor, but it is not a common cause of sudden onset respiratory distress in the postpartum period.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Macrosomic fetus is a fetus that weighs more than 4000 grams or 8 pounds 13 ounces at birth. It is not a common complication of teenage pregnancy, but rather of maternal diabetes, obesity, or a history of large babies.
Choice B Reason: Preeclampsia is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria in pregnancy. It can cause serious complications for both the mother and the baby, such as seizures, organ damage, growth restriction, and placental abruption. Teenage pregnancy is a risk factor for preeclampsia, especially if the mother is younger than 15 years old.
Choice C Reason: Inadequate nutritional status of mother is a condition where the mother does not consume enough calories, protein, vitamins, minerals, or fluids during pregnancy. It can affect the growth and development of the baby and increase the risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, and birth defects. Teenage pregnancy is a risk factor for inadequate nutritional status of mother, as teenagers may have poor dietary habits, eating disorders, or limited access to food.
Choice D Reason: Cephalopelvic disproportion is a condition where the size or shape of the baby's head or body is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis. It can prevent normal vaginal delivery and require cesarean section. Teenage pregnancy is a risk factor for cephalopelvic disproportion, as teenagers may have smaller or immature pelvises that are not fully developed.

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