A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor and is scheduled to receive epidural anesthesia.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Monitor blood pressure every 30 minutes following epidural placement.
Administer lactated Ringer's 500 mL bolus via intermittent IV infusion prior to epidural placement.
Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min prior to epidural placement.
Reposition the client every hour following epidural placement.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Monitoring blood pressure every 30 minutes following epidural placement is important but not the initial action. Epidural anesthesia can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, so
frequent monitoring is crucial. However, the initial step should focus on preventing hypotension.
Choice B rationale
Administering lactated Ringer's 500 mL bolus via intermittent IV infusion prior to epidural placement helps in maintaining blood pressure. Epidural anesthesia can cause vasodilation,
leading to hypotension. Preloading with fluids ensures adequate blood volume and reduces the risk of a significant drop in blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min prior to epidural placement is not necessary unless the client has respiratory complications. Oxygen supplementation is used to
treat or prevent hypoxia, which is not a primary concern in this scenario.
Choice D rationale
Repositioning the client every hour following epidural placement is important to ensure even distribution of the anesthetic and prevent pressure sores. However, this is not the initial
action to take for preventing hypotension.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Gaining 2 pounds per week throughout the rest of pregnancy is excessive and not recommended. Normal weight gain is approximately 1 pound per week in the second and third trimesters.
Choice B rationale
Dieting during pregnancy can lead to inadequate nutrient intake for both the mother and the developing fetus. It is essential to focus on a balanced diet rather than trying to lose weight.
Choice C rationale
Meeting with a dietitian can help the client assess their nutritional needs and develop a healthy eating plan to support their pregnancy, ensuring both maternal and fetal health.
Choice D rationale
Eating an additional 700 calories per day is too high. Generally, an additional 300-500 calories per day is recommended during the second and third trimesters to support pregnancy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Patterned breathing techniques can help in managing pain by focusing on controlled breathing, reducing anxiety, and providing a distraction from the pain, but are not specifically targeting back labor pains.
Choice B rationale
Effleurage involves light circular strokes on the abdomen and can help in managing general labor pain, but may not be as effective specifically for back labor pains.
Choice C rationale
Sacral counterpressure involves applying steady pressure to the sacral area, which can help relieve pain caused by back labor by counteracting the discomfort experienced in this
area.
Choice D rationale
Guided imagery involves using mental visualization to distract from pain and promote relaxation, but may not be as effective in relieving the specific pain associated with back labor.