The nurse should realize that the most common and potentially harmful maternal complication of epidural anesthesia is:
Limited perception of bladder fullness.
Severe afterbirth headache.
Hypotension.
Increased respiratory rate.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Limited perception of bladder fullness can occur with epidural anesthesia, but it is not the most common or harmful complication. Patients should be monitored for urinary retention.
Choice B rationale
Severe afterbirth headache, or post-dural puncture headache, can result from epidural complications, but it is less common than hypotension.
Choice C rationale
Hypotension is the most common and potentially harmful complication of epidural anesthesia. It occurs due to sympathetic nerve blockade, leading to vasodilation and decreased cardiac output. Normal blood pressure ranges: systolic 90-120 mmHg, diastolic 60-80 mmHg.
Choice D rationale
Increased respiratory rate is not a common complication of epidural anesthesia. It is more likely related to anxiety or other factors and should be monitored accordingly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Quickening, the first fetal movements felt by the mother, typically occurs between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation, so she should expect to feel fluttering sensations within the next month.
Choice B rationale
At 15 weeks of gestation, it is too early for most first-time mothers to feel fetal movements. Quickening usually occurs between 16 and 20 weeks, so she has not missed the window.
Choice C rationale
While some fetal movements may be subtle, it is inaccurate to suggest that some babies are entirely quiet. Quickening is generally felt by most mothers between 16 and 20 weeks.
Choice D rationale
The baby is indeed moving, but fetal movements are usually not felt until 16 to 20 weeks of gestation in first-time pregnancies, so it is normal not to feel them yet at 15 weeks.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Mild contractions and minimal cervical dilation suggest false labor. Administering a sedative helps the patient rest and wait for true labor onset. Sedatives can include sleep-inducing medications.
Choice B rationale
Cesarean birth is not indicated for a primigravida with mild contractions and minimal cervical dilation. This intervention is reserved for more serious obstetric complications.
Choice C rationale
Extended observation is unnecessary for mild contractions and unchanged cervical status. It is more appropriate for patients showing signs of true labor or complications.
Choice D rationale
True labor onset requires regular, increasing intensity contractions and cervical changes. Discharging the patient allows her to await true labor onset at home comfortably.
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