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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View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An indwelling urinary catheter can increase the risk of falls because it may cause discomfort and restricted mobility, leading the client to move awkwardly or lose balance.
Choice B rationale
While a second-degree perineal laceration might cause pain and limited mobility, it doesn't usually contribute as significantly to fall risk as an indwelling catheter.
Choice C rationale
Saturating a perineal pad every 5 to 6 hours may indicate heavy postpartum bleeding, but it isn't directly related to fall risk. The concern here would be more about monitoring for hemorrhage rather than falls.
Choice D rationale
Breast engorgement causes discomfort and pain but doesn't directly affect a client's mobility or balance, making it less likely to increase fall risk.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A shrill cry may indicate distress but isn't specifically related to hypoglycemia in newborns.
Choice B rationale
Weak peripheral pulses are more commonly associated with circulatory or cardiac issues rather than hypoglycemia.
Choice C rationale
Yellowish skin suggests jaundice, which is due to elevated bilirubin levels, not hypoglycemia.
Choice D rationale
Hypotonia, or decreased muscle tone, can be a sign of hypoglycemia in newborns, indicating a need to check blood glucose levels.