A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is in labor and has an epidural infusion for pain management.The client’s blood pressure is 80/40 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Place the client in knee-chest position.
Administer methylergonovine IM.
Give a bolus of lactated Ringer’s.
Assist the client to empty her bladder.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Placing the client in the knee-chest position is not appropriate for managing hypotension caused by an epidural infusion. This position does not effectively improve blood pressure.
Choice B rationale
Administering methylergonovine IM is not appropriate for managing hypotension caused by an epidural infusion. Methylergonovine is used to manage postpartum hemorrhage, not hypotension.
Choice C rationale
Giving a bolus of lactated Ringer’s is the appropriate action to manage hypotension caused by an epidural infusion. This helps to increase blood volume and improve blood pressure.
Choice D rationale
Assisting the client to empty her bladder is important, but it is not the immediate priority in managing hypotension caused by an epidural infusion.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing a newborn in the right lateral position is not recommended as it increases the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)4.
Choice B rationale
Placing a newborn in the left lateral position is also not recommended for the same reasons as the right lateral position.
Choice C rationale
Placing a newborn in the prone position (on their stomach) significantly increases the risk of SIDS and is not recommended.
Choice D rationale
Placing a newborn in the supine position (on their back) is the safest position for sleep and is recommended to reduce the risk of SIDS4.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen may help with symptoms like headache and weakness, but it does not address the underlying issue of poor circulation and potential shock. Elevating the legs is more effective in improving blood flow to vital organs.
Choice B rationale
Offering an ice pack is not appropriate for the symptoms described. The client is showing signs of shock, and an ice pack would not address the underlying issue.
Choice C rationale
Providing a warm blanket may offer comfort, but it does not address the symptoms of shock. Elevating the legs is a more direct intervention to improve circulation and stabilize the client.
Choice D rationale
Elevating the client’s legs helps improve venous return to the heart, increasing cardiac output and stabilizing blood pressure. This is a critical intervention for a client showing signs of shock.